The Herald, Sharon,
PA Published Sunday, March 9, 1997

WINTER SPORTS Boys basketball

PIAA STATE BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS

B. McCort 62
George Jr. 60

Defending AA champions GJR eliminated in 2-point defeat

INDIANA, Pa. _ The George Junior Republic Tigers' PIAA Class AA crown will have to be relinquished.

Unlike a year ago when GJR posted a 30-1 mark en route to the title, the Tigers had to claw their way into the District 10 and interdistrict playoffs this year.

And the season ended Saturday evening in a 62-60 setback to Johnstown-Bishop McCort at Indiana University of Pa.

The Tigers rallied from an 18-12 deficit following the opening frame to take a 32-27 halftime lead, and the two teams entered the final frame deadlocked at 45.

George Junior attempted only three free throws, missing them all, while the Crimson Crushers converted 7 of 17 freebies.

Jamal Benjamin bucketed a game-high 24 points for GJR (16-12), Mike Brown contributed 18 points, and Cliff Bradley chipped in with 16, including a pair of 3-point field goals.

For Bishop McCort (22-6), Gary Pribozie tallied 21 points and Rashaun Puryear added 16 markers.

Third-year GJR head coach Bob McConnell has compiled a 64-25 (71.9 percent) mark during his tenure at the Grove City-based institution. McConnell could not be reached for comment for this report.
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Updated March 9, 1997
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