Francis Camara-Reading

Reading entered Thursday allowing 64 points per game, second most in the Berks Conference. The Red Knights gave up 79 in a 24-point loss to Exeter on Tuesday at the Geigle Complex. They were back home to face rival Wilson and this time Reading’s defense was the story for a different reason. The Bulldogs were limited to a pair of field goals and nine points in the fourth quarter. The Red Knights extended their winning streak over Wilson to eight games with a thrilling 54-48 victory. “Our defense was very important. Our defense is what helped us seal the victory. We did a good job finding their shooters,” said head coach Francis Camara. Malik Osumanu, a 6’5 senior, came up with two pivotal blocks in the final 31 seconds. “Malik is a man. Malik does an amazing job. He probably doesn’t get enough credit. He’s a quiet kid. He does all the right things,” replied Camara. Daquan Burgess stole the ball and cruised in for a layup with just under two minutes remaining. His first basket of the night gave Reading a 50-48 lead. A technical foul was called on senior guard Nico Sosa while the Red Knights had the ball with 1:31 to go. The (8-3, 2-1) Bulldogs didn’t take advantage. Correll Akings missed both free throws and Luke Levan was called for traveling. Reading then turned it over and Matt Coldren called a timeout with 31 seconds left. Coldren was looking for his 400th career win. He’s spent 23 seasons as Wilson’s head coach. Tommy Hunsicker’s inbound pass found Madyx Gruber who was cutting toward the basket. Osumanu rejected the layup attempt and Weshly Rosario threw the ball up ahead to Burgess who was all alone. His layup put the (6-4, 2-1) Red Knights in front 52-48. Osumanu blocked Gruber’s 3-pointer and Yadiel Cruz finished off another fast break for the final margin. Cruz poured in a game-high 17 points including 13 in the second half. “Yadiel has improved every day since he’s been on this team. Yadiel is amazing. He works his butt off. He’s a smart player,” emphasized Camara. Cruz is averaging 20 ppg. The Bulldogs were up 13-12 after eight minutes and 26-22 at halftime. Gruber’s trey from the right wing gave them a 34-26 advantage with four and a-half minutes to play in the third quarter. Reading tied the game at 39-39 before the start of the fourth period. Camara was pleased with how his team stuck together. “It’s about playing for each other and playing through each other,” he stated. Rosario, a sophomore guard, had ten points. Sosa added eight off the bench. Akings and Levan, a 6’4 junior forward, scored 13 points apiece. Gruber chipped in with eight points. Wilson was 16-of-22 from the free throw line while the Red Knights went 7-of-12. Reading won despite making just one shot from beyond the arc. The Bulldogs connected four times from 3-point territory. It was a nice bounce back performance by the Red Knights after getting blown out by Exeter. “It’s great to watch them grow and learn from their mistakes…That’s the motto of the season for our team, grow and develop,” said Camara.