Imhotep rules Class AA again

STATE COLLEGE - Imhotep Charter had its ups and downs during the regular season and Public League playoffs, where it bowed out early.

But the Panthers sorted through their problems, found their way back to Penn State's Bryce Jordan Center, and ruled the PIAA Class AA boys' roost again.

On Saturday, overcoming poor free-throw shooting and a rash of turnovers, Imhotep fought past District 7's Beaver Falls, 56-54, in overtime for its third state crown in four seasons.

"We had some chemistry issues, lost some kids due to academic eligibility, and we kicked a few kids off the team," coach Andre Noble said. "But the way we handled all those things helped us get here."

The Panthers won despite committing 19 turnovers and going 10 for 23 from the line. Khyree Wooten, a senior wing guard, delivered 13 of his 15 points after intermission.

Brandon Austin, a 6-foot-6, 175-pound junior who has committed to Penn State, contributed 13 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks.

In the second quarter, during which Austin was on the bench with two fouls, Beaver Falls put together a 13-0 run and was up, 23-21, at the break. Austin played with four fouls down the stretch.

"I couldn't pressure them on defense the way I wanted to," Austin said. "I had to drop off a little bit, play it safer than I normally would."

Wooten's three-point play and Nigel Grant's bucket gave Imhotep (22-8) a 44-35 advantage with 5 minutes, 10 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

The Tigers (28-3) responded again, this time with a 10-0 burst. They went ahead, 45-44, on Sheldon Jeter's 12-foot jumper from the left baseline.

"We've had those (scoring] lulls all season," Noble said. "When that happens, we usually grind it out defensively."

With Beaver Falls ahead by 48-46, Shakur Nesmith's steal and layup with 20 seconds left brought on an extra four minutes.

In OT, back-to-back buckets - Austin's steal and dunk, and Grant's layup - gave Imhotep a 54-50 lead. Wooten and Kamani Jordan each went 1 for 2 at the line to make it 56-52.

Jeter, a 6-8 senior being recruited by Penn State and others, totaled 22 points and 11 boards. Playing all 36 minutes, he shot 10 for 32 from the field (0 for 10 on three-pointers).

"I think he was fatigued," Tigers coach Doug Biega said. "I really wish I could have found more times to rest him. But this was the type of game where you had to ride your horse to the end."

Imhotep Charter   16 5 16 11 8 – 56

Beaver Falls   8 15 5 20 6 – 54

IC: Shakur Nesmith 8, Brandon Austin 13, Nigel Grant 9, Kamani Jordan 7, Khyree Wooten 15, Devin Liggeons 4.

BF: Kevin Cancel 6, Sheldon Jeter 22, Elijah Cottrill 11, Drew Cook 11, Royce Watson 1, Deyne Richardson 3.