Archbishop Carroll cruises into quarterfinals

Archbishop Carroll, seeking its third PIAA Class AAA quarterfinal berth in four seasons, set the tone early Tuesday night against Octorara.

The Patriots pounded the offensive glass, carried over a hot shooting touch from last Friday, and built a 17-point advantage in the first seven minutes against the bewildered Braves.

From there, Carroll, also playing stellar defense, put the finishing touches on a 71-50, second-round romp at Coatesville High and moved a step closer to its second state title.

"It was real important for us to get out to the lead and not worry about pressing too much," senior swingman Alec Stavetski said.

Ahead by 7-4 early, the Patriots put together a 14-0 spurt to all but bury the Braves. The run included Yosef Yacob's three-point play, Lou Dominique's breakaway layup, and Stavetski's left-baseline trey.

"We played in so many big games this year," Octorara coach Gene Lambert said. "I can't explain why we didn't show up to play."

Derrick Jones, a 6-foot-5 freshman, was a major force for Paul Romanczuk's squad, producing 15 points, 14 rebounds (five on offense), and four blocked shots. "He's the real deal," Lambert said.

Stavetski, a senior swingman who poured in 28 points in a first-round win over District 3's Trinity, netted 14 of his 18 points, including three putback baskets, in the first half. Overall, he hit three three-pointers and grabbed eight rebounds.

Junior wing guard Yosef Yacob, who is being recruited by the Division I likes of Cornell and Bucknell, registered a game-high 20 points, including a pair of treys, and four assists.

Dominique (10 points, six boards), a 6-4 senior forward, and junior lead guard Isaiah Warren (four assists) also made solid contributions.

On Friday night, in a quarterfinal at a neutral site and time to be determined, Carroll (20-7) will play District 7 runner-up Hampton (24-4), a winner Tuesday over District 6 champ Greater Johnstown.

In the second quarter, Yacob's three from up top gave Carroll a 26-11 advantage. Later, Stavetski's follow made it 31-14.

In the game's first 12 minutes, the Patriots had gathered 10 rebounds on the offensive end.

"We just didn't box out," Lambert said. "That's what happens when you don't."

For the Braves, who placed second in District 1, senior guard Charles Cooper, likely to wind up at Alvernia, hit three treys en route to 17 points.

"Our seniors have been unbelievable," said Lambert, whose team advanced to the quarterfinals last season. "They've been part of 66 wins and 17 losses over the last three seasons. It's been a fun ride."

Octorara   6 11 14 19 – 50

Archbishop Carroll   21 13 17 20 – 71

O: Charles Cooper 17, Mike Navarro 1, James Brown 6, Mauriece Bowers 5, DeQuan Newton 14, Anthony DiNorscia 2, Bruce Reeves 5.

AC: Yosef Yacob 20, Alec Stavetski 18, Isaiah Warren 4, Lou Dominique 10, Derrick Jones 15, Francis Jackson 2, Armand Sorrentino 2.