Giuliani boosts North Penn in battle for first
David Giuliani started high school at North Penn, switched to Phil-Mont Christian for two years, and returned to North Penn for his senior year.
David Giuliani started high school at North Penn, switched to Phil-Mont Christian for two years, and returned to North Penn for his senior year.
"It wasn't an easy decision to leave Phil-Mont, but I sat down with my parents and we decided that it would be best for me academically and athletically," the hardworking forward said.
North Penn coach John Conrad said the coaches and players welcomed him back with open arms. "He's a good kid, a heck of a competitor, and a ferocious rebounder," he said.
Giuliani produced 17 points, including eight in a decisive third quarter, and nine rebounds as the host Knights raced past Central Bucks West, 63-53, in a Suburban One League Continental Conference first-place showdown Tuesday night.
Giuliani's father, Michael, played hoops at Bishop McDevitt and the old Beaver College, now Arcadia. His sister, Mikaela, was a 1,119-point scorer at North Penn and is a freshman player at the University of the Sciences.
Down by 22-19 at intermission, North Penn (11-4, 6-1 conference) seized control with a 17-2 explosion in the third frame.
"We just really clamped down on the defensive end and picked things up on offense," said Giuliani, who last season helped lead Phil-Mont to the PIAA District 1 Class A title and state quarterfinals.
Giuliani provided a three-pointer from up top, a fastbreak layup, and a follow in the Knights' burst. Chris Coleman's layup, off a nifty feed from Reece Udinski, produced a 36-24 advantage.
"I'm pretty much doing the same things I did while at Phil-Mont," Giuliani said. "I like to post up inside and pound guys under the basket."
Giuliani visited Division II Merrimack over the weekend with his mother, Laura, and committed to the Warriors.
"It's a good academic school and has a solid basketball program," the 6-foot-4, 210-pounder said. "I thought I meshed well with the team's big guys when I was there."
Giuliani was supported against C.B. West (9-6, 5-2) by fellow seniors Udinski (14 points, three assists), Ricky Johns (seven points, six boards, and three assists), and Lane Ford (10 fourth-quarter points).
The Bucks were paced by juniors Colin McAdams (22 points) and Shane McCusker (12 boards, 10 points, and three assists).
Central Bucks West 12 10 5 26 - 53
North Penn 9 10 20 24 - 63
CBW: Jack Traina 2, Shane McCusker 10, Colin McAdams 22, Jake Reichwein 9, Liam Cooney 7, Jack Mulhearn 3.
NP: Nate O'Donnell 6, Chris Coleman 2, Ricky Johns 7, Reece Udinski 14, David Giuliani 17, Lance Ford 10, Derek Heiserman 3, Noah Kwortnik 4.
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