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Imhotep has no problem with Communications this time

After last year's one-point decision, it was supposed to be a tightly contested battle for top honors in Division C of the Public League.

Imhotep's Ameen Tanksley puts up an acrobatic shot while being defended by Tech's Jerimyiah Batts (left) and Christopher Burney, (Michael Bryant / Staff Photographer )
Imhotep's Ameen Tanksley puts up an acrobatic shot while being defended by Tech's Jerimyiah Batts (left) and Christopher Burney, (Michael Bryant / Staff Photographer )Read more

After last year's one-point decision, it was supposed to be a tightly contested battle for top honors in Division C of the Public League.

Largely because of Terrell Johnson's quickness and torrid outside shooting, it instead was a lopsided affair.

With Johnson nailing four three-pointers on the way to a season-high 18 points, visiting Imhotep Charter jumped out to a 17-point lead in the first quarter and whipped bitter rival Communications Tech, 67-40, Tuesday at Pepper Middle School in Southwest Philly.

Johnson, thinly built and a streaky shooter, converted 6 of 9 field-goal attempts and went 2 for 2 from the line. From beyond the arc, he was 4 for 5.

"As far as my shot goes, it's been up and down for me this year," said the senior, a 5-foot-10, 155-pound point guard. "When I'm making shots, I'll make a lot. When I'm missing, I'll miss a lot. It just depends on the game."

In the opening quarter, Johnson, who lives near Chew Avenue and Washington Lane in Germantown, hit two bombs. Late in the third, his back-to-back treys pushed the Panthers' advantage to 51-31.

"I think he's one of the most underrated players in the area," Imhotep coach Andre Noble said. "You can't leave him open. Sometimes, because of the other guys we have, teams do that and they pay for it."

The No. 2-ranked Panthers improved to 16-3 overall and 8-0 in the league, all but clinched the Division C title, and gained revenge for last year's 56-55 loss. The Phoenix, hurt by 20 turnovers and early foul trouble, fell to 13-4 and 7-1.

"We threw the ball away too many times," Communications Tech coach Lou Biester said, "You can't play a good team like that and give them extra shots."

Johnson, a second-year starter, added four steals and two offensive rebounds. The 17-year-old is hearing from Division II and III schools.

Imhotep's Ameen Tanksley, a senior wing guard bound for Niagara, produced 13 points (seven in the last quarter) and eight rebounds (four on offense). "We played good defense and did a nice job on the boards," the lefty shooter said.

Robert Morris recruit David Appolon, a senior guard, netted six points, six boards, and four assists. The squad's other Division I recruit, 6-8 senior forward and George Washington-bound Erik Copes, scored seven of his 10 points in the third quarter and grabbed eight boards.

The Panthers forced seven turnovers in the first eight minutes, drawing two charging calls, and made it 23-6 on a 15-0 surge. They outrebounded the Phoenix, 44-28.

Communications Tech's top six scored a combined 22 points. Sophomore Basil Malik, the eighth man, had 18 points to spur the hosts, who shot 16 for 48 from the floor.

Imhotep Charter   23 11 17 16 – 67

Communications Tech   6 17 8 9 – 40

IC: David Appolon 6, Terrell Johnson 18, Erik Copes 10, Brandon Austin 3, Ameen Tanksley 13, Tyhiem Perrin 8, Khyree Wooten 6, Earl Brown 3.

CT: Gameel Strange 4, Rich Hoskins 7, Terrell Parker 6, Tony Parker 3, Jerimyjah Batts 2, Basil Malik 18.