Lower Merion boys top Conestoga in district quarterfinal

Jeremy Horn didn't even consider the possibility of Lower Merion dropping a third straight game to bitter Central League basketball rival Conestoga.

"What happened during the regular season was really frustrating," the 6-foot-8, 235-pound senior center said. "We had to turn that around. And we wanted to beat them when it counted the most."

With Horn turning in one of his best efforts of the season, the Aces stormed to a 16-0 lead in a PIAA District 1 Class 4A quarterfinal Friday night and emphatically gained payback with a 68-45 romp in Ardmore.

Horn registered 17 points, including six in the second quarter and nine in the fourth, eight rebounds, with three on the offensive end, and a blocked shot in front of a packed Kobe Bryant Gymnasium.

Last year, in part to consistent foul trouble, Horn did not make much of an impact with the varsity squad.

"One time, I came in and picked up three fouls in two minutes," Horn said. "I've since focused on staying straight up and improving my footwork."

Next for the 11th-seeded Aces (18-7) is a semifinal meeting against No. 2 Plymouth Whitemarsh (23-2) at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Temple. The Colonials nipped No. 7 Central Bucks West, 43-41, to advance Friday.

Against No. 14 Conestoga (19-8), Horn shot 8 for 13 from the field and 1 for 2 from the line. His inside bucket, courtesy of a dish from K.J. Helton, gave the hosts a 32-21 advantage late in the second.

"He's come a long way," Lower Merion coach Gregg Downer said. "We've had him since ninth grade. He's getting better and better. It's a story of a kid who's worked hard to get where he's at now."

Junior guard Noah Fennell (18 points) drilled four three-pointers in the Aces' first-quarter explosion. "He's shooting a crazy-good percentage from that range," Horn said.

In addition to producing 15 points and six assists, Helton helped limit Darryl Caldwell, the Pioneers' leading scorer, to 13 points through three quarters. The senior catalyst finished with 23.

Horn, who tried his hand at volleyball last spring, is headed for Claremont McKenna College in Southern California. He plans to major in economics.

Conestoga 10 16 9 10 - 45

Lower Merion 21 15 8 24 - 68

C: Darryl Caldwell 23, Charlie Martin 6, Angus Mayock 3, M.J. Lezanic 8, Jack Baker 3, Scott Shapiro 2.

LM: K.J. Helton 15, Steve Payne 1, Jeremy Horn 17, Noah Fennell 18, Terrell Jones 11, Zack Magill 3, Matt O'Connor 3.

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