Parker Nein-Berks Catholic

Parker Nein had some extra motivation in Thursday’s highly anticipated Division 2 matchup with Exeter. “I know all these kids because I went to Exeter until about 8th grade so they were chirping at me the whole time,” said Nein. The 6’2 senior finished with 15 points in a 72-64 victory over the Eagles. The Saints built a 22-point lead in the third quarter, but Exeter came roaring back. The (6-5, 3-1) Eagles were within 58-55 with 2:16 remaining. Nein, who’s been dealing with a left thigh contusion, drilled a 3-pointer from the left wing to make it 61-55. “It felt amazing. Playing against Alex Kelsey, his defense is remarkable. He’s been one of my best friends my whole life so I knew he wasn’t gonna give me an inch of space,” remarked Nein. He and Kelsey are two of the top baseball players in Berks County. Nein is committed to Penn State Harrisburg. Layups by Zach Suski and Armanni Dominguez expanded Berks Catholic’s advantage to 65-55 with 1:26 left. Although the Saints missed eight free throws in the fourth quarter, they were able to remain unbeaten at (9-0, 4-0). Berks Catholic ended up 13-of-28 from the foul line. Josh (16) and Kingston McKoy (15) combined for 31 points. Suski, a 5’11 junior, provided eleven points off the bench. The Saints committed just five turnovers. They also held Exeter to 18 points in the first half. The Eagles were averaging 73 points per game, the highest number in Berks County. Berks Catholic was in front 34-18 at the break and 54-37 entering the fourth quarter. Exeter connected five times from beyond the arc over the last eight minutes. Kevin Saenz jammed ten points into the period. The 6’4 senior poured in a career-high 29 points. “He’s scoring at an insane level this year,” replied Nein. Reece Garvin and Kelsey had ten points apiece. Brady Murray chipped in with nine for the Eagles. They splashed ten shots from long range while going 12-of-16 from the free throw line. Saenz drilled five treys. The Saints have some firepower of their own including two of the top four scorers in the Berks Conference. Nein and Kingston McKoy, a 6’2 sophomore, are both averaging over 17 points this season. Berks Catholic coach Snip Esterly was recognized prior to the game for reaching 800 career wins last Thursday. Esterly spent 22 years at Central Catholic. He’s in his 13th season with the Saints. Esterly has won eight BCIAA championships and 14 District 3 titles. He guided the Cardinals to the 2007 state crown. “Best coach in Berks County history. It’s awesome playing for him,” stated Nein.