Spring-Ford Boys Basketball Triumphs Over Wissahickon 59-48

In a decisive match at the North Penn Tip-Off Tournament, the Spring-Ford boys basketball team secured a 59-48 victory over Wissahickon. The game, held on March 15, 2024, in Towamencin, showcased Spring-Ford’s strong performance as they extended their lead with a powerful fourth-quarter surge.

Syaire Barnes, a senior guard, played a pivotal role in the win, scoring 12 of his game-high 19 points during the second half. His impressive performance included a key contribution in the fourth quarter, where he helped initiate a 7-0 run that pushed Spring-Ford’s lead to 11 points. Coach Joe Dempsey praised Barnes, stating, “He’s fantastic. He’s just electric. Just our engine for sure. We’re fortunate to have him.”

The Rams began the game strongly, finishing the first quarter with a commanding 10-0 run, capped by Barnes banking in a runner at the buzzer for a 14-6 lead. Spring-Ford maintained control throughout the first half, with their largest advantage at 26-17 before entering halftime with a 28-21 lead.

As the game progressed, Spring-Ford continued to assert their dominance. They widened their lead to 11 points in the third quarter, but Wissahickon showed resilience. The Trojans, led by Nico Vacchiano, who scored 16 points, rallied toward the end of the third, finishing strong with 10 of the last 13 points to narrow the gap to 42-38 by the start of the final quarter.

The fourth quarter was marked by strategic play from Spring-Ford. Barnes converted a runner and followed with a free throw, extending the Rams’ lead back to seven points. The Trojans struggled to close the gap, managing to cut the deficit to nine points only twice in the final minutes. Spring-Ford ultimately sealed their victory with two free throws from Lymir Green.

Coach Kyle Wilson of Wissahickon acknowledged the challenge posed by Spring-Ford’s gameplay. “I thought we played well, I thought we played hard in stretches, they were more consistent. Their guard pressure was really good as well,” he remarked. Wilson emphasized the need for his team to improve on turnovers and maintain better awareness of the game situation.

Looking ahead, Spring-Ford (2-0) will face host North Penn, who emerged victorious against Mastery Charter North with a score of 68-60. This matchup is set for 4:30 PM on Saturday. Wissahickon (0-2) will compete against Mastery Charter North in the consolation game at 12:45 PM the same day.

As both teams continue to develop, the lessons learned in this well-fought contest will be crucial as they move forward in the tournament and the season.