By Cameron S.

Powerhouse teams The Family Falcons and the Coleman Catholic Statesmen battled it out in the Section IX semifinal playoff game. After back and forth action, Coleman ended on top 64-49.

Falcons came out with a strong first quarter performance dominating both sides of the ball. Intense Falcon defense led to continuous Coleman turnovers which big man Max Wilkey turned into easy buckets scoring six of his total eight points in the first quarter. Home court advantage was not a factor at this point as the Falcons took the momentum early on. Starting point guard Bryan Lehrman added two of his own three’s to the first quarter run allowing them to pull away 20-11. But the Falcon’s momentum shifted heading into the second quarter.

Down by 11 points coming into the second quarter, the Statesmen had their work cut out for them. Coleman’s Dino Celadon #3 and Jordan Shaw #32 led the second quarter rally adding 7 points each. Coleman showed why they deserved their playoff spot. Falcon intensity was slowly dwindling as Coleman outscored them 23-12.

Starting the second half on top 34-32, Coleman came out with the same high octane play. Shaw and Celadon continued to pound the Falcon defense with shots from the paint and mid-range. Falcon confidence was nowhere to be found in this second half. Scoring only eight points to Coleman’s twenty points in the third quarter, the Falcons season was coming to an end.

The game ended with Coleman 64, Family 49. Shaw and Celadon combined for a total of 37 points. Falcon seniors Tarek Mhich and Lucas Maass combined for a total of 25 points. “Instead of being in self-pity, we made a point to be grateful for the season and realize that this was a good experience for us all,” said Falcon RJ Oringer.