Holy Ghost gets revenge, wins district title

Holy Ghost Prep's two keys for gaining redemption against Octorara were handling defensive pressure and limiting second-chance opportunities.

The top-seeded Firebirds fared pretty well in both categories, and surprisingly whipped the second-seeded Braves, 56-33, Saturday at Haverford College for their second PIAA District 1 Class AAA boys' basketball crown in three seasons.

"We came in with a lot of motivation after losing to them in last year's final," said Tom Heston, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound senior forward. "This is something we wanted pretty bad."

After committing 19 turnovers in a semifinal win over Pope John Paul II, the squad trimmed that number to 13.

Holy Ghost allowed eight offensive rebounds. James Brown, Octorara's 6-3 senior forward, managed just three.

"Everyone was talking about how good their defense is," Braves coach Gene Lambert said. "I believed it. They kept us to one shot each time down. They're good. There's a reason why they're district champions."

Heston, who saw limited playing time last season, posted 10 points, six assists, five rebounds, and a blocked shot.

"He's as maneuverable a big guy as I've ever had in my years as a coach," Firebirds boss Tony Chapman said. "He can handle the ball, he can pass, and he can score inside and outside."

Solid production came from all five starters and subs Jim Grey (10 points), Shane Grady (six points), and Pat Herbert (four points, three boards).

"This team has a lot of smart kids," said Chapman, who earned his fifth district title in 34 seasons. "They get the ball to the right people. They're totally into winning and extremely unselfish."

Senior point guard Tim Lazorko, who will play soccer at St. Joseph's University, scored all nine of his points in the second half. He added four assists and three rebounds.

Jack Kalmes, a junior swingman who sometimes took over for Lazorko as floor leader, provided 10 points and five boards. He drilled two first-half three-pointers.

Seniors Jeff Ainsley (five points) and Chris Morano (five boards) round out the starting lineup for the Firebirds.

On Friday, in the opening round of the state tournament, Holy Ghost (27-1) will battle Northeastern, District 3's fifth-place qualifier. Octorara (23-4) will play Lampeter-Strasburg, District 3's fourth-place finisher.

The Braves, who came in averaging 63.9 points, shot 14 for 46 from the field (2 for 12 from beyond the arc).

Octorara's Charles Cooper, a speedy senior guard, was held to 11 points on 5-for-11 shooting.

Octorara   4 12 10 7 – 33

Holy Ghost Prep   10 13 17 16 – 56

O: Charles Cooper 11, Mike Navarro 8, James Brown 4, Mauriece Bowers 4, DeQuan Newton 6.

HGP: Tim Lazorko 9, Jack Kalmes 10, Tom Heston 10, Chris Morano 2, Jeff Ainsley 5, Jim Grey 10, Shane Grady 6, Pat Herbert 4.