Phelps stuns Westtown to claim first state title

Two Philadelphia transfers and a Northern European native played key roles as the Phelps School overcame a 16-point deficit and claimed the program's first Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association boys' basketball title.

Spurred by Mike Watkins and Anwar Epps, both of whom played in the Public League last season, and Antanas Krimelis, a native of Lithuania, the fifth-seeded Lions stunned No. 2 Westtown, 50-46, on Saturday in the final at Malvern Prep.

Down by 36-20 in the third quarter, Phelps upped the defensive pressure, erupted for a 25-5 run, and denied the Moose their first tournament crown.

"It was just energy," Lions coach Brian Shanahan explained. "We increased the speed of the game and did a good job of picking and choosing our shots."

Watkins, a 6-foot-9 forward who came over from Math, Civics, and Sciences, delivered 12 points, eight rebounds (four on the offensive end), and six blocks.

Epps, a 5-10 combination guard who averaged 22.8 points at Palumbo last season, managed four points, three boards, two steals, and two assists. His open-court theft and breakaway layup produced a 47-43 advantage with 40 seconds remaining.

Said Shanahan: "That was enormous for us. It won the game. He's a kid who came in here and had to figure out his role, and he did that."

Krimelis drilled three straight three-pointers during a 16-3 burst in the fourth quarter. The 6-4 guard's left-baseline trey put Phelps (16-11) in front for good, 43-41, with just under 3 minutes to play.

Krimelis is from Kaunas, the second-largest city in Lithuania. After playing for Arlington Country Day School (Fla.) last year, his New York-based mentor, Deirunas Visockas, suggested Phelps as his next stop before college.

Krimelis shot 4 for 6 from beyond the arc on the way to 13 points. The long-range sniper and Watkins, a Penn State-recruit, are roommates at Phelps.

"Sometimes, Mike can act a little crazy and goofy," Krimelis said with a laugh. "But he's a really good friend of mine. We've become close."

Jair Bolden's off-balance trey at the buzzer gave Westtown (25-8) a 22-14 lead at the break. His second three and Jonathan Kasibabu's layup, off a feed from Najja Hunter, made it 34-18 with 12 minutes to go.

Moose wing guard Edvinas Rupkus, also from Lithuania, posted a game-high 15 points, seven boards, and four assists.

Phelps 9 5 15 21 - 50

Westtown 14 8 14 10 - 46

P: Anwar Epps 4, DaRon Curry 9, Mike Watkins 12, Mustapha Traore 7, Antanas Krimelis 13, Oriol Tres 5.

W: Jair Bolden 11, Najja Hunter 7, Mohamed Bamba 9, Jonathan Kasibabu 4, Edvinas Rupkus 15.