Throughout the PIAA-6A state playoffs, Jalil Bethea has been the key player in the fourth quarter for Archbishop Wood, helping the team secure three wins.
In the game against Methacton, he made a go-ahead four-point play. Against Lower Merion, he had an impressive dunk from near the free-throw line. In the match versus Spring-Ford, he scored 18 points in the fourth quarter.
In the semifinals against Parkland Tuesday night, he tied the game with a three-pointer from the left wing, even though they were trailing by seven points in the third quarter with four minutes left.
Unfortunately, despite Bethea's efforts, Archbishop Wood only scored two points after that and their season ended with a 59-51 loss to the Trojans at Norristown Area High School.
Wood coach John Mosco expressed his disappointment, stating that the team didn't stick to the game plan and showed selfishness on both ends of the court. He emphasized that their lack of teamwork and defensive effort hurt them in this crucial game.
Mosco highlighted that the team failed to play solid defense and lacked the determination to succeed, especially in comparison to their previous victories against Methacton and Lower Merion.
After Bethea’s three-pointer tied the game at 49, Archbishop Wood failed to score on the next three possessions, while Parkland managed to take the lead with two layups by Zaire Smaltz, resulting in a 53-49 advantage with 1:14 remaining.
Wood senior Josh Reed managed to reduce the deficit, but it wasn't enough as they missed crucial shots and made a turnover in the final moments, leading to their 59-51 defeat.
Reed criticized the late-game offense for lacking ball movement and effectiveness.
In the final minute, Parkland's Jayden Thomas and Blake Nassry secured the win with a breakaway layup and foul shots respectively.
Reed led the Vikings with 20 points, while Bethea contributed 10 and Mike Green had nine. Both Reed and Bethea faced foul trouble for a significant part of the game.
Reed admitted that early foul trouble affected his and Bethea's rhythm and impacted the team's ability to defend and rebound effectively.
It was the last game for several Wood seniors including Bethea, Reed, Ihsan Beyah, Tahir Howell, Joe Kelly, and Samir Palmer, who had a successful run in the state championships but couldn't secure a PIAA title.
“Many programs in the state would accept that,” Mosco said, “but we're not happy, and everyone in our league feels the same way.”
“I hoped to depart from the program with a win, a trophy, something,” Reed said, “but I dedicated everything to this program – practices, everything. I gave my all. It's disappointing to fall short, but I will always be a Viking.”
Parkland 59, Archbishop Wood 51
Parkland 10 20 17 12 – 59
Archbishop Wood 15 14 14 8 – 51
P: Nick Coval 4 0 5-5 13, Jayden Thomas 5 1 3-4 16, Robbie Ruisch 0 4 0-0 12, Luke Spang 0 0 0-0 0, Blake Nassry 1 0 4-4 6, Zaire Smaltz 3 0 0-0 6, Connor Johns 3 0 0-0 6. Total 16 5 12-13 59.
AW: Deuce Maxey 0 2 0-0 6, Jalil Bethea 3 1 1-2 10, Mike Green 0 3 0-0 9, Milan Dean 0 1 0-0 3, Josh Reed 9 0 2-3 20, Ihsan Beyah 0 0 0-0 0, Tahir Howell 1 0 1-2 3, Brady MacAdams 0 0 0-0 0, Brian Donahue 0 0 0-0 0. Total 13 7 4-7 51.
