Jeff VanGorder-Exeter

Jeff VanGorder will remember his first game at the Geigle Complex for the rest of his life. Exeter’s new head coach guided the Eagles to a historic 79-55 victory over Reading on Tuesday. “For me, it was fun as a coach. I think the guys relished in playing here,” he said. Exeter snapped a 29-game losing streak to the Red Knights. It was the Eagles’ first win in the series since December 21, 2009. VanGorder’s squad shot the lights out. The Cortland, New York native saw the Eagles go 13-of-23 from beyond the arc and 8-for-9 from the free throw line. They raced out to a 10-2 advantage. Freshman guard Jeremiah Camara kept Reading in it. The son of first-year head coach Francis Camara exploded for nine points in the opening quarter. It was 22-22 after eight minutes. Then Aidan Dauble stole the show. The 6’3 sophomore scored all 14 of Exeter’s points in the second period, including a rare 4-point play that made it 34-24. “His effort kind of let everybody realize we’re here and we’re not going away,” stated VanGorder. Dauble finished with a career-high 17 points. Kevin Saenz had 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists. The senior point guard provided ten points in the third quarter when the (5-4) Eagles pulled away. Brady Murray and Saenz hit back-to-back treys to put Exeter on top 58-38 with 90 seconds left in the third period. It was 60-41 entering the final eight minutes. Murray erupted for a dozen of his 15 points in the fourth quarter. The 6’1 junior has been dealing with an injury and didn’t play in Saturday’s 82-69 loss to Spring-Ford. “He’s a tough kid and I know he wanted to give it a go. I’m very happy he was able to make it go,” replied VanGorder with a big smile. Murray sank four three-pointers. Devon Nester started for Murray and connected three times from long range. Dauble also hit three triples. Yadiel Cruz led the (5-4) Red Knights with 18 points. Nico Sosa, a 5’10 senior guard, had 12 points off the bench. Camara ended up with 11 points. Reading was without defensive specialist Nick Chapman. The 5’10 senior suffered an eye injury in Reading’s holiday tournament last Wednesday. The Red Knights struggled against the Eagles’ 2-3 zone. They were just 5-of-24 from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Exeter was playing with a lot of confidence. “I hope it goes through the roof,” said VanGorder.