Kevin Saenz-Exeter

Exeter’s 74-51 loss at Wilson in the BCIAA quarterfinals was a great source of motivation. “It lights a fire under everybody to play better, said Kevin Saenz. The Eagles were back in action for the first time in a week, but they certainly didn’t look rusty. They blew out seventh-seeded Lampeter-Strasburg 73-49 in the first round of the District 3-5A playoffs. This tournament provides an opportunity for Exeter to show its true colors. “Everybody is (0-0) now. It’s a brand new slate for everyone,” emphasized Saenz. The 6’4 senior guard racked up 26 points and knocked down three of the Eagles’ nine 3-pointers. They led 17-10 after the opening quarter and 35-26 at halftime. Reece Garvin got Exeter off to a fast start with eight points in the first eight minutes. Garvin and Saenz were starters a season ago when the Eagles won their first District 3 championship. Lampeter-Strasburg brought home District 3 gold in 2022. The Pioneers were outscored 38-to-23 in the second half on Monday. Exeter entered the night allowing 60 points per game. This was one of their best defensive efforts of the year. “Our offense comes from our defense…Every practice we try to get better at that,” noted Saenz. The tenth-seeded Eagles scored the first nine points of the fourth quarter to go up 63-37. Sophomore Aidan Dauble had 14 points and seven rebounds. “He’s been tremendous lately…I’m super proud of him for stepping up. He’s so advanced for his age,” said Saenz. Brady Murray hit two triples and added ten points. Garvin, a 6’4 senior, chipped in with eight points and nine rebounds. Exeter went 10-of-14 from the free throw line and committed just nine turnovers. The (16-8) Pioneers were 9-for-11 from the stripe. Senior guard Yasin Abdi poured in 21 points including 16 in the second half. Chase Smucker ended his junior campaign with 17 points and three treys. The 5’11 guard connected 57 times from beyond the arc this season. Justin Glick, a 6’3 senior, was limited to seven points. The (16-8) Eagles clinched a spot in the state playoffs. They’ll visit #2 seed Mechanicsburg in the District 3 quarterfinals on Thursday at 7pm.