Joey Chapman-Reading

December 18, 2018 was the date of Joey Chapman’s first game for the Red Knights. He scored 12 points and had four assists. Those numbers become much more noteworthy when you consider the opponent and site of that contest. Chapman’s first varsity appearance came against perennial power Chester at the “Clip Joint.” That’s certainly not a place that allows anyone to ease into their high school basketball career. Chapman has never been intimidated on the court. It helps when you can bench press 350 pounds! The 6’1 senior guard has always been known for his tremendous vision. On Saturday night in Hershey, he showed that he can score as well. Chapman erupted for a career-high 19 points in a 68-43 rout of #7 seed Warwick. Reading claimed its record 23rd District 3 championship and second in a row. The (25-3) Red Knights were up 35-23 at halftime after outscoring the (20-6) Warriors 18-8 in the second quarter. The Section 2 champs from the Lancaster-Lebanon League cut the deficit to five in the third quarter when Reading committed six turnovers. Ruben Rodriguez gave the Red Knights momentum in the closing seconds of the period. The all-state guard stole an inbounds pass and banked in a deep 3-pointer at the horn for a 50-36 advantage. Chapman provided the first six points of the fourth quarter; part of a 16-2 run by Reading that sent their fans into a frenzy. Chapman told me that he was more focused on defense than scoring. He did a terrific job of passing out of the high post, especially in the second quarter when he found Xavier Davis alone on the baseline. Davis, a 6’2 senior forward, had five points in that quarter. He finished with nine. Myles Grey added seven points and nailed his 53rd trey of the season. Chapman once again wore #21 in honor of his close friend Daniel Alcantara. The all-county forward broke his left hand in the District 3-6A quarterfinals versus Wilson. Chapman said he feels like Alcantara is with him on the floor when he puts on his jersey. Alcantara, a 6’5 senior who was averaging 16 points, gives Chapman words of encouragement before each game. Chapman emphasized that while he loves playing at the Giant Center, the Geigle Complex is still his favorite venue. Warwick fell to (1-4) all-time in the District 3 Finals. The Warriors’ lone title was in 1984. Tate Landis, Avery Sapp, and freshman Caleb Johnson had ten points apiece. Landis, the grandson of legendary Warwick coach Dave Althouse, made three triples to increase his season total to 44. The 5’11 senior averages 18 points, but was limited to three in the second half. Landis is committed to York College. He was guarded most of the night by Amier Burdine, one of Reading’s top defenders. The top-seeded Red Knights improved to (134-51) in the District 3 playoffs. This is the fourth District 3 championship for head coach Rick Perez. Chapman, who has 548 career points, stressed that he’s taking the state tournament one game at a time. Finally, keep an eye out for a guest appearance during the interview by sophomore Malik Osumanu. His brother, Moro, guided Reading to a state title last year.