Springfield CYO basketball teams enter playoffs

Junior Varsity
St. Francis 53
St. Thomas “B” 37
Third-seeded St. Francis opened up the Regional CYO Playoffs with a resounding 53 to 37 win over 14th seeded St. Thomas “B.”
This was a solid win at both ends of the court, and the JV Bruins displayed a smothering defense that would not let the kids from St. Thomas get untracked.
Coach Milt Hedrick noted his “guys were everywhere, all over the court.”
The team headed into this important start of the playoffs without steady veteran leader Kevin McKnight. Luke Reichert seized the moment and played an extremely solid game. Although tallying just two points, Reichert had a number of key blocks at the defensive end along with timely rebounds and assists. .
Kevin George had another incredible game at the point, quarterbacking like a seasoned pro, while leading all scorers with 17 points. Colin Ringwalt had 12 points, eight in the second half, as SFA pulled away for the win. Dan Dickinson chipped in with nine.
The Bruins head to the next round of playoffs at home on Tuesday night. Opponent yet to be determined.
Their overall record now stands at 16 and 2.
Varsity
St. Francis 60
Drexel Neumann 56
Coach Milt Hedrick has said all season how talented his Varsity St. Francis Bruins are, and that was clearly evident in an opening round 60 to 56 playoff victory over a very good Drexel-Neumann team.
Talented Eric Pollock led the charge for the green and gold, tallying a game high 19 points. Pollock continues to be a clear leader all season.
Pollock was assisted by Jeff Peranteau, who was sensational with 17 points, eight rebounds and three key steals.
John Oakley hustled for 15 points and had a number of clutch plays and steals to seal the win.
The 11th- and 12th-graders now sport an overall record of 13 and 5. They headed into the next round of the playoffs Feb. 6 at Notre Dame.