Charlestown Snuffs Out Dublin Coffman Rally
LEWES, DELAWARE -- On Thursday at the Slam Dunk to the Beach, Charlestown H.S. of Massachusetts erased a double digit fourth quarter deficit on the way to a thrilling come from behind victory over Sanford H.S. of Delaware.
On Saturday in the Tip-Off Classic Final, the Townies nearly blew such a lead before escaping with a 75-72 victory over Dublin Coffman H.S. of Ohio.
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After three quarters of nip and tuck basketball, Charlestown broke open the contest with a 16-2 run in the fourth quarter that turned a 54-53 deficit into a 69-56 advantage with 3:57 left in the game. University of Florida bound guard Rashid Al-Kaleem's top of the key three pointer capped the run.
With Al-Kaleem heating up from the perimeter, the Shamrocks looked dead in the nearby Atlantic Ocean water. The resilient Dublin Coffman club ended the game on a 16-6 run and tried frantically to get one last possession in the final seconds, but time simply ran out on them.
With its Princeton style passing game and offense, Dublin Coffman is a very dangerous opponent. It seems like all of their players can shoot it and pass it and possess excellent knowledge of the game.
After a sub-par opening effort here at the Slam Dunk, Al-Kaleem was terrific on Saturday night, pumping in 26 points on 10/13 FGs and six of seven three pointers.
A pair of other seniors were also instrumental in Charlestown's win, with dependable forward Alray Taylor notching 12 points and eight rebounds and point guard Antonio Chatman collecting 11 points and five assists.
Swingman Zach Burris continued his fine play for the Shamrocks with a 22 point, seven assists effort. Chris Quinn played his usual no-nonsense game, directing the attack and registering 14 points and seven assists. Tony Julian added 14 points in the win.
The difference in the game proved to be Charlestown's superior size up front and the four minute cold spell that beset Dublin Coffman's offense in the fourth quarter. The Townies out-rebounded the Shamrocks 38-29 (18 offensive) and shot nearly 51 percent from the floor.
Al-Kaleem also was a big factor, as he personally hit more three point baskets (six) than the entire Dublin Coffman team combined (five).