Rick Perez-Reading

Rick Perez told me that he loves coaching this group of players because of their energy and passion for the game of basketball. That was on full display in a 64-36 blowout of Wilson at West Lawn. The Red Knights jumped out to a 28-10 advantage after the first quarter. Perez was very pleased with his team’s sense of urgency. He added that their defense ignited the transition game. Reading forced nine turnovers in the first quarter and 22 overall. The (3-2, 0-2) Bulldogs started the second quarter on an 11-2 run to trim their deficit to nine. It was 38-22 at the break. The (5-0, 2-0) Red Knights poured it on in the third quarter and put the mercy rule into effect. Ruben Rodriguez had two dunks in an 18-3 quarter for Reading. The all-state guard ended up with a game-high 15 points. 6’5 senior Daniel Alcantara had 14 points including nine in the first quarter. Perez noted how Alcantara is extremely composed on the floor. Myles Grey matched his career high with 13 points. Perez likes the consistency and shooting ability that the 5’11 junior guard brings to the squad. The defending Class 6A state champs drained four 3-pointers and went 10-16 from the free throw stripe. Reading has won 23 of its last 24 games. The Red Knights are averaging 64 points a night, but Perez thinks they can be even better. He said, “We’re leaving so much meat on the bone.” Perez wants his players to cut down on fouls away from the basket. He’s (228-69) over eleven seasons as the head coach at Reading. The Red Knights have won a state record 2,193 games. Lower Merion has a pretty impressive history as well. The Aces own seven state championships! Perez talked about Thursday’s matchup with Lower Merion. Foday Sillah led the Bulldogs with ten points. They had taken six of the previous eight meetings with Reading.