Jeff VanGorder-Exeter

After a tough loss at Mechanicsburg in the District 3-5A quarterfinals, Exeter wasted no time getting back on track. The Eagles blew out Muhlenberg 81-58 and then knocked off Warwick 67-59 in the fifth place game. “I never have to worry about these guys competing. I’m proud of them for that,” said first-year head coach Jeff VanGorder. The win at Warwick saved the (18-9) Eagles a four hour trip to Franklin Regional. Instead, Exeter visits Upper Dublin in the first round of the state playoffs. The up-tempo Cardinals are the runner-up from District 1. “From a skill standpoint, they’re similar to Wilson. They’ve got five guys that we gotta guard. They do a really good job with the sets that they run,” noted VanGorder. The Bulldogs beat the Eagles 74-51 in the BCIAA quarterfinals. Exeter doesn’t mind a fast-paced game. The Eagles are the highest-scoring team in Berks County at 69 ppg. They’ve hit 238 triples. Kevin Saenz has made 47 treys. The 6’4 senior is shooting over 40% from beyond the arc while averaging nearly 17 points and seven assists. Saenz has adjusted extremely well to his new role. “I am very impressed with the fact that he’s played point guard for four months and is one of the best players in Berks County,” emphasized VanGorder. Alex Kelsey, a 6’1 senior, has increased his scoring from five points per game to a dozen a night. “He’s the one guy on our team that I think can really get us a basket at the rim or get to the foul line. He’s super athletic, super quick. He loves competition,” stated VanGorder. Kelsey is committed to St. Joseph’s University for baseball. Reece Garvin, Aidan Dauble, and Brady Murray are all threats from long range. Garvin and Saenz started a season ago when Exeter reached the PIAA-5A championship game for the first time since 1974. The Eagles are making their 11th appearance in the state tournament. They begin a new journey on Friday at 7pm.