Matt Ashcroft-Exeter

It’s called March Madness for a reason. Exeter trailed by four points in overtime and both of its all-county players had fouled out. The Eagles had two freshmen on the floor against Peters Township in the PIAA-5A quarterfinals. Kevin Saenz took control and Exeter pulled out a thrilling 75-72 victory at Bald Eagle High School on Friday. “These kids love each other. They play so hard for each other…These kids have just been unbelievable,” said head coach Matt Ashcroft. The (26-6) Eagles are going to the state semifinals for the first time since 1974. The (24-5) Indians were trying to get to the semi’s for the first time in program history. They trailed 39-31 at halftime and 44-33 early in the third quarter. Exeter committed nine turnovers in that period and was outscored 21-11. Peters Township was within 52-50 entering the final period. Things didn’t look good for the Eagles midway through the fourth quarter when they were down 62-54. “Kevin looked at them and said I will get you to Monday,” stated Ashcroft. A three-point play by Anthony Caccese made it 62-60 with just under three minutes remaining. Saenz produced another three-point play to tie it up with 1:47 left. After a series of turnovers by both squads, they headed to overtime even at 65. Freshman Jayden Ware was forced into action after Zyion Paschall, Alex Kelsey, and Caccese fouled out. Ware’s putback cut the deficit to 71-69 in overtime. The Indians were on top 72-69 with one minute to go when sophomore Mickey Vaccarello missed a pair of free throws. Saenz drilled a 3-pointer ten seconds later to tie the game. The 6’3 junior then followed up his own miss with thirty seconds to play. Jack Dunbar was off the mark on a trey that would’ve given Peters Township the lead. Saenz went 1-for-2 at the line to give Exeter a 75-72 edge. The District 7 runner-up had one more chance. Nate Miller’s 3-pointer at the buzzer was on line, but short which set off a celebration at midcourt by the Eagles’ players. They’ve won 16 of their last 17 games, including their first District 3 championship. Zyion Paschall had a game-high 21 points despite fouling out with three and a-half minutes left in regulation. The 5’10 senior carried Exeter for three quarters. “All of his tools are now on steroids. That’s just hours and hours and hours in the gym,” remarked Ashcroft. Caccese racked up 14 points and 17 rebounds. The 6’7, 280-pound all-state football player picked up his fifth foul with 2:29 remaining in the extra session. Saenz scored 13 of his 19 points after the third period, including six in the final minute. Reece Garvin chipped in with 13 points. The 6’3 junior splashed three triples in the first half. Exeter was 14-22 from the free throw line, while Peters Township ended up 18-33. The Indians missed nine foul shots in the fourth quarter and overtime. Miller led them with 19 points. Dunbar and Brendan McCullough finished with 16 apiece. Peters Township played at a blistering pace and averaged 72 points per contest this season. This was their eighth appearance in the state playoffs and first trip to the quarterfinals since 1997. The Eagles will soar into the Final Four in Class 5A with a lot of momentum. They’ll face Cathedral Prep from Erie on Monday.