Aiden Soumas-Fleetwood

Fleetwood won 22 games last season and reached the state playoffs for the first time since 1990. Jake Karnish, the school’s all-time leading scorer with 1,420 points, has moved on to King’s College. The Tigers showed on Tuesday night in Robesonia that the cupboard isn’t bare. They spoiled Conrad Weiser’s home opener with a 55-43 victory. The (1-1) Scouts pulled within 37-33 early in the fourth quarter after two layups by 6’4 junior Gavin Rapp. Following a timeout by Fleetwood coach Terry Sitler, the Tigers went on an 18-10 run to close it out. Fleetwood had five seniors in the starting lineup, while Conrad Weiser started five juniors. “This was nothing compared to what we saw in the Giant Center and in our state game. This was a crazy environment, but we definitely handled it well,” said Aiden Soumas. The 5’11 senior finished with 14 points including six in the opening period. He made three free throws with 2.7 seconds remaining to put the Tigers up 20-5 after eight minutes. The Scouts committed four turnovers in the first 90 seconds. They ended up with 16, twice as many as Fleetwood. Donovan Gingrich was limited to ten points. The 6’1 all-division guard erupted for a career-high 31 on Saturday at Antietam. The Tigers led 27-15 at halftime before Gingrich opened the third quarter on a personal 5-0 run. Conrad Weiser’s junior quarterback went 2-of-3 from the foul line with 0.1 seconds to go in the third period. Fleetwood was on top 37-29 entering the fourth quarter. Hunter Svoboda had a game-high 17 points. The 6’8, 270-pound senior is committed to William & Mary for football. “When he gets it in there, it’s going up and he’s gonna make it most of the time. He’s got such a big advantage on the other guys,” noted Soumas. Point guard Nate Herb chipped in with ten points. The All-County soccer player jammed seven points into the final period. Each team connected just three times from beyond the arc. Junior point guard Brady McKee provided 17 points for the Scouts. They were without 6’4 junior Josh Plummer due to an ankle injury. Conrad Weiser was 12-of-21 from the free throw line, while Fleetwood shot 10-of-16. The Tigers have a mix of multi-sport athletes. Wide receiver Mason Musitano, a 6’2 senior, is playing basketball for the first time since 9th grade. Soumas is headed to Kutztown University for baseball. “I really like the coaching staff out there, great group of guys. It’s just a great atmosphere. I couldn’t ask for a better place,” he replied. Soumas and company aren’t too shabby on the court either.