Del-Val knocks off Neumann-Goretti in District 12 final
Del-Val Charter did it again. After knocking off defending Public League champion Imhotep, the Warriors continued their giant-killing ways Friday night against defending state champion Neumann-Goretti.
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Del-Val Charter did it again.
After knocking off defending Public League champion Imhotep, the Warriors continued their giant-killing ways Friday night against defending state champion Neumann-Goretti.
Del-Val, fresh off its Public League title win, held off the Saints, 81-79, in the District 12 Class 3A championship game at St. Joseph's University's Hagan Arena.
"This is a big city shocker," said sophomore guard Antwuan Butler. "Nobody thought Del-Val would win a Pub championship and a city championship. Nobody thought Del-Val would beat Imhotep or Neumann-Goretti. This is a big win for us."
After knocking off Public League favorite Imhotep, Del-Val finished off Constitution to win last week's Public League title.
Friday night, clutch free-throw shooting by Butler helped the Warriors outlast the Saints, who had won the last five District 12 AAA championships.
Mahki Morris led the Warriors (24-4), winners of 17 consecutive games, with 24 points and six rebounds. Butler, however, scored 10 of his 24 points in a pressure-filled fourth quarter.
Butler finished 8 of 10 at the line in the final period.
"Clutch moments," he said, "that's what I live for."
The Warriors entered the final quarter ahead, 60-49.
The Saints (22-4), however, countered with a 17-8 run, which was capped by a Vaughn Covington three-pointer to get within, 68-66, with 3 minutes, 48 seconds remaining.
Neumann-Goretti junior Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree led all scorers with 32 points (16 of 19 shooting) and had game-highs of 11 rebounds and five blocks. Zane Martin (seven points) missed significant fourth-quarter action with an eye injury.
Quade Green, who finished with 24 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, hit the Saints' other three with 37.2 seconds left to get N-G within, 78-74.
Subsequently, Green, who shot 15 of 16 at the foul line, made one of two freebies, which led to back-to-back misses at the line by Del-Val senior Semaj Motley (21 points).
Fortunately for the Warriors, senior Waheem Lowman rebounded the second miss, which led to Butler making two at the line to help seal the victory.
Top-seeded Del-Val and No. 2 Neumann-Goretti will begin the state tournament Friday March 4.
Del-Val 14 21 25 21 - 81
Neumann-Goretti 16 15 18 30 - 79
DV: Wade Lowman 4, Mahki Morris 24, Antwuan Butler 20, Semaj Motley 21, Waheem Lowman 7, Dwayne Coleman 2, Rashae Nixon 3.
NG: Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree 32, Quade Green 24, Vaughn Covington 6, Rasheed Brown 8, Noah Warren 1, Zane Martin 7, Mike Millsip 1.
@AceCarterINQ