By: Kyle Moylan
When you climb Mount Everest and look down at the breathtaking sights and breathe in the sense of accomplishment, it’s a clear reminder why you worked and trained so hard for the journey.
So forgive New Egypt Coach Jon Corby and his players if they want to linger on top for a while before they ever even think of climbing back down again.
In its first five years of existence, New Egypt had a combined record of 19-72. Then, last season, New Egypt went 17-11 and even won a playoff game. And the team’s 2-1 start heading into its own holiday tournament (which opened yesterday) is a clear indication New Egypt thought last year was fun.
"Thanks to the amount of time we put in with the Rec programs, we can coach rather than teach basic skills from the time the players are freshmen," Corby noted. "The school is getting bigger. The athletes coming into the school are getting bigger, faster and stronger. We have more competition for playing time. Competition makes you better. This is fun."
Allentown improved to 2-1 with a 63-30 win over Maple Shade. This game was all but over after New Egypt opened with a 19-2 advantage in the first quarter.
"This is the first time I ever felt like we controlled a game from the opening tip to the end," Corby noted. "I don’t remember us ever doing that before."
New Egypt got into a good rhythm and used its height advantage. Kevin Janowski, at 6-foot-7, had 13 points and six rebounds. Josh Howard, at 6-foot-3, had eight points and eight rebounds. Stephen Panasuk, at 6-foot-3, had 12 points and seven rebounds. Davion Clanton added eight points, five assists and four rebounds.
"We’re over 6 foot all over the place," Corby said. "It gives us a solid defense and a lot of rebounds. If our offense can click together, we can really look like a good team."
New Egypt was scheduled to go after win number three when it hosted St. Mary’s in the opening game of its holiday tournament yesterday. New Egypt won its tournament for the first time last year when it took care of Lindenwold by four points. The title game is at 7 p.m. tonight. If its New Egypt-Lindenwold again, that sets up an interesting match-up. Craig Parker, the former coach at Allentown, now guides Lindenwold.
"This is fun," Corby said. "The kids are enjoying it. The town is enjoying it. Now we’ll see what we can do about repeating as champions of our holiday tournament."
AHS
The Allentown High boys’ basketball team took a 1-4 record into the opening game of its holiday tournament yesterday. The consolation and championship games of the event will be held on Friday.
Allentown equaled its mark for wins from last season when it defeated Robbinsville, 48-42. Greg Amatrudo led the way with 32 points, including 19 during a decisive fourth quarter. Dan Westfall scored five points and Will Moreo four. Kyle Nieliwocki had eight rebounds.
Amatrudo scored 11 points and Chris Katzman eight, but Voorhees defeated Allentown, 77-25.
Amatrudo scored 10 points, Katzman nine and Brandon Smith eight, but Princeton defeated Allentown, 62-47.

