By: Sean Moylan
Everyone knew it was just a matter of time before the Bordentown Regional High School boys’ varsity basketball team clinched a state tournament playoff berth.
However, it was the way the Scotties sailed into the playoffs last Thursday that left a huge, everlasting impression.
Bordentown made the playoffs by crushing a terrific Riverside squad 75-55 at Bordentown.
"It’s always great to be in the playoffs," said Bordentown Coach Mark Drew, who missed the post season for the first time in his sterling coaching career last year. "They’re (the Rams) not playing well right now. Our team played intense and fantastic."
While some heroes were obvious ones like Burlington County scoring machine Sam McDuffie, who had 24 points, and freshman phenom Jon Kohler, who added 23 points for the victors. Role players like Justin Lewendowski (14 points), who stepped up his game since Danny Sasso’s injury, also did their job.
"James Brotherton (a point) and (Thomas) Knapp (six points) were hitting the boards and doing (the dirty) work," added Drew.
Mike Pracko also hit a couple of key field goals while Brandon Fraser knocked down a big 3-pointer.
Yet even great victories have their price.
After the big victory over Riverside, Bordentown had to make the long ride to Woodbury on Friday night. Woodbury ended up taking the contest 78-66, but not before Kohler (24 points) and McDuffie (22 points) made their presence known.
"We couldn’t overcome Woodbury coming off the Riverside game. They out-physicaled us," said Drew.
Delran upset Bordentown a few weeks ago with a 3-point fourth-quarter shooting barrage that came out of nowhere. This time around, however, the Scotties buried the Bears early with a great 25-point first quarter as they made Tuesday’s BABL Night a happy one with a 66-46 win over Delran at Bordentown.
Although Drew was pleased his club was able to avenge a loss, he was even happier that the win improved Bordentown’s chances of earning a home playoff game.
McDuffie led the Scotties with 28 points, but Tuesday was a "community night" where everyone got involved.
"All the kids played and most scored," said Drew.
Lewandoski (10 points), Kohler (seven points), Pracko (eight points), Knapp (three points) and Brotherton (two points) all did their jobs. Bordentown led 41-15 at the half before giving way to the team’s talented subs. Justin Gaines, Sidney Tucker, Matt Rodenbaugh and Wayne Cobbs each had two points for the winners.
One-hundred-twenty-five players from Bordentown wore their yellow BABL shirts and came out and cheered for the Scotties against the Bears. They all got in free.
"We go to support the high school (team) and introduce them to the high school basketball program," said Rick Pina, who helped organize the event.
Players from the BABL were introduced to referees and high school rules. Door prizes were given out to the first 100 BABL players, who came to the game wearing their shirts. Large foam dog bones (for the Scotties) were the primary door prize.
Cheerleaders and basketball players from the McFarland School also attended as the middle school and varsity cheerleaders performed a special cheer together. Two honorary captains were also picked for the game, and BABL players posed with their favorite Scotties players for pictures.
At halftime, RW Tire gave away tickets to a Trenton Titans hockey game.
Michelle Brennan, a teacher at the school, took a foul shot at halftime for a couch, but missed.
"She doesn’t spend enough time working with me on her foul shooting," joked Drew, who obviously enjoyed the whole experience of Tuesday night’s event. "It was a great night. Happily, the Scotties have had a lot of great nights this year."
Bordentown (10-7) is scheduled at New Egypt today (Thursday). It is scheduled to host Westampton Tech on Tuesday.

