PIKE CREEK — Jabri White scored 20 points, and Saint Mark’s got the Lonnie Wright era off to a running start in a 70-32 win in boys basketball on Dec. 7 at Dickinson.
The Spartans came out looking to move the ball and themselves with a lot of motion and quick passing, and they found scoring from nine different players. They also showcased a pestering defense that translated into offensive opportunities. The result was their biggest offensive output since Jan. 15, 2011, when they scored 71 points in a win over Christiana.
The new approach for Saint Mark’s was evident right away. The Spartans scored the first 15 points of the game. Chad Dohl wasted no time getting the visitors on the board, and Gavin Marks quickly followed with the and-one. While those two were hitting from outside, White was busy inside. He scored six in the first quarter, the first two on free throws. He also helped Saint Mark’s to a healthy rebounding advantage, which would result in second- and third-chance points all afternoon.
Two turnovers late in the first quarter led to the Rams’ two first-quarter field goals, but little else went right for Dickinson in the opening eight minutes.
White stayed active inside as the second quarter unfolded. He had a pair of dunks, including one after a steal and a breakaway. After the Rams’ lone field goal of the second – a three-pointer by Javyaire Perdomo – the Spartans had a possession with four offensive rebounds, and White finally scored on a short turnaround.
The Rams scored seven points in quick succession as the second half opened, getting to within about a dozen of the Spartans. But Saint Mark’s cranked up the defensive pressure and got those points back and more as the third progressed. Prince DeWitt, who spent most of the game directing the Spartans’ offense and distributing the ball, showed off his shooting touch with three field goals, including a three.
In addition to White, Marks and DeWitt reached double figures with 11 apiece. Nine players scored for Saint Mark’s. The Spartans (1-0) take on Conwell-Egan Catholic (Pa.) of the Philadelphia Catholic League on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at Archbishop Ryan High School in Northeast Philadelphia.
Perdomo and Jaylen Jenkins each scored seven for the Rams, who fell to 0-3. They visit Mount Pleasant on Saturday at 1 p.m.
All photos by Mike Lang.
