Luke Levan-Wilson

We’ve often heard that defense wins championships. Matt Coldren has preached about the importance of defense over his 24 years as Wilson’s head coach. He learned that approach from the legendary Reggie Weiss who won 362 games with the Bulldogs. Wilson allowed ten points or less in three quarters of a 55-39 victory over Reading in the BCIAA Championship on Friday night. Luke Levan stuffed the stat sheet with 15 points, 14 rebounds and six blocks in front of 1,800 fans at Santander Arena. “When we have good defense, it sets up our offense. We gotta keep that going in District’s,” said Levan. The 6’6 senior provided nine points in the fourth quarter, and made it difficult for the fourth-seeded Red Knights to finish in the lane. Reading had won nine of its previous ten contests. All-County guard Madyx Gruber poured in a game-high 23 points. “He’s incredible, he’s a really good player. I’m excited to see where he goes after this,” remarked Levan. Gruber made two of his team’s four 3-pointers. The 5’11 senior was 9-of-12 from the foul line with five rebounds and four steals. The second-seeded Bulldogs attempted just two free throws before the fourth quarter. They ended up 17-of-24 from the stripe. Wilson only committed ten turnovers. “In a game like this, the refs aren’t gonna call as many fouls which makes it even harder. They’re a really good pressuring team. I thought we did a really good job beating the pressure and playing strong,” noted Levan. The (20-5) Bulldogs earned their second straight Berks County title and fourth in six years. Levan was asked where this one ranks among the best performances of his career. “I think it’s gotta be up there. I gotta say thanks to all my teammates for getting me the ball and trusting me,” he replied. The (13-12) Red Knights saw their season come to an end. They trailed 9-8 after the opening quarter and 20-15 at halftime. Wilson began the second half with a 10-to-2 run. Tommy McFadden hit a triple from the left corner and scored on a fast break. Six of his eight points came in that period. Much like the second half of the season, Reading wouldn’t go away. The Red Knights battled back with nine consecutive points. Weshly Rosario fired a sweet pass to Xavier Beatty for a layup with 1:24 left in the third quarter. After a timeout, Gruber answered with a deep trey from the left wing for a 33-26 lead. Jeremiah Camara banked in a 3-pointer from the top of the key with 35 seconds to go. Reading was within 33-29 entering the final period. Camara and Jostin DeCastro, both sophomore guards, had ten points apiece. The Bulldogs were in front 41-35 with just over three minutes to play. They went on a pivotal 9-to-2 run to put the game on ice. Levan had a pair of layups during that stretch. Camara was called for a personal foul and then a technical foul after pushing a Wilson player with 56 seconds left. Gruber made three of his four free throw attempts for a 50-37 cushion. Rosario, who averaged nearly 13 ppg., was limited to five points. The Red Knights were 5-of-13 from the foul line and connected just twice from beyond the arc. They were searching for their 26th BCIAA championship. Meanwhile, Coldren improved his overall record to (428-202). The former All-County guard for the Bulldogs has guided them to six Berks County titles. Wilson has eight seniors on its roster including four in the starting lineup. The Bulldogs will host #12 seed Cedar Crest in the first round of the District 3-6A playoffs on Tuesday. “I’m excited for Cedar Crest because they kicked us out last year,” stated Levan.