During a PIAA-6A first-round state playoff game against Methacton on Saturday, Archbishop Wood's Jalil Bethea hit a go-ahead three-pointer and a subsequent free throw, turning a two-point deficit into a two-point lead with 4:20 remaining.
The University of Miami commit, Jalil Bethea, scored three and-one baskets, which helped Archbishop Wood maintain their lead.
Bethea also contributed with two assists and finished the game with a steal and breakaway dunk, ending with 31 points in Archbishop Wood’s 81-73 win over Methacton at Cardinal O’Hara High School.
Bethea expressed that he felt the need to take over the game in the fourth quarter, especially when facing an unexpected challenge from the opposing team. He emphasized the importance of letting the game unfold naturally until that point.
Jalil Bethea, who was named The Reporter/Times Herald/Montgomery Media 2022-2023 Boys Basketball Player of the Year, diligently practices shooting while being physically challenged as part of his pregame routine.
Bethea explained that he has been practicing this pregame routine to adapt to the physical play style opponents use against him as a key player on the team.
Bethea's four-point basket shifted the game's momentum, leading Archbishop Wood to a 74-68 advantage with 2:59 to play, as part of a 10-2 run.
After three scoreless possessions, Methacton's Christian Matos scored a three-pointer and Sal Iemmello converted a steal into a layup, bringing the score to 74-73 in favor of Archbishop Wood with 1:21 remaining.
Bethea's successful three-point play extended Archbishop Wood's lead, and a subsequent layup by Josh Reed further secured their victory. Bethea sealed the win with a steal and slam dunk for the final points of the game.
Methacton put up a strong fight against Archbishop Wood, leading after the first quarter and trailing by only one point at the end of the third quarter, with multiple lead changes in the fourth.
Methacton coach Pat Lockard expressed pride in his team's effort and tenacity, acknowledging the challenging game against Archbishop Wood and the strong display of sportsmanship from his players.
Matos greatly contributed to the Warriors' potential upset, scoring 28 points and making two crucial baskets in the fourth quarter.
Lockard stated that Matos, the team's leading scorer, earned the trust of his teammates due to his scoring ability and skill with the ball. He also praised Matos' performance in the game as a remarkable effort from a sophomore.
With a 66-64 lead secured by Matos, Methacton's sophomore player, he got his fourth foul and had to sit out. During this time, Methacton faced turnovers, a blocked shot, and the loss of senior Manny Rodriguez to injury. Wood took the lead and secured the win while Matos was on the bench. Matos returned shortly after, but Wood maintained its lead.
Lockard commended Manny's defense on Jalil, a talented player, and highlighted Christian's crucial scoring ability for their offense. He also mentioned the absence of reliable shooters on the court affecting their offense.
Reed, along with Bethea, scored 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, while Maxey contributed 10 points.
Methacton's Iemmello scored 13 points, Hermann added 10, and Daddazio and Robinson each contributed seven points.
Wood progresses to the second round of states and will challenge (1-1) Lower Merion on Tuesday.
Archbishop Wood 81, Methacton 73
Methacton 21 14 24 14 – 73
Archbishop Wood 19 22 19 21 – 81
M: Anthony Daddazio 2 0 3-4 7, Mason Conrad 0 0 0-0 0, Sal Iemmello 4 1 2-8 13, Christian Matos 7 4 2-3 28, Alex Hermann 4 0 2-5 10, Manny Rodriguez 1 1 3-4 8, Wes Robinson 3 0 1-1 7, Lucas Leckerman 0 0 0-0 0. Total 21 6 13-25 73.
AW: Jalil Bethea 8 2 9-9 31, Mike Green 0 1 0-0 3, Milan Dean 0 0 7-8 7, Josh Reed 11 0 2-3 24, Deuce Maxey 3 1 1-2 10, Brady MacAdams 0 0 0-0 0, Tahir Howell 3 0 0-0 6, Ihsan Beyah 0 0 0-0 0. Total 25 4 19-22 81.
