Ruben Rodriguez-Reading

A loss isn’t always a bad thing over the course of a long season. The Red Knights got tripped up at Muhlenberg 63-61 on February 8th. Ruben Rodriguez told me that they learned a valuable lesson that night. Reading has been laser-focused since coming up short in Laureldale. The (25-3) Red Knights have won seven straight games by an average of 23 points! Warwick was their latest victim in the District 3-6A championship at the Giant Center. Rodriguez poured in ten points in the first four minutes, including two 3-pointers. The all-state guard finished with a game-high 23 points in a 68-43 victory over the (20-6) Warriors. Rodriguez started the game with a dunk and ended a 16-2 run in the fourth quarter with another slam. The 6’1 junior described his emotions on those plays. Rodriguez provided another highlight in the final seconds of the third period. After stealing an inbounds pass, he banked in a 3-pointer from NBA range to put Reading in front 50-36. The Berks County Player of the Year is averaging nearly 20 points this season with 33 treys. Warwick was searching for its second District 3 title and first since 1984. The seventh-seeded Warriors got within five points at 41-36 in the third quarter. The top-seeded Red Knights exploded for 25 of the next 27 points. Joey Chapman opened the final period with three straight baskets. The 6’1 senior guard had a career-high 19 points. Rodriguez was very pleased with how Chapman passed out of the high post against Warwick’s 2-3 zone. Rodriguez also praised Amier Burdine for his defense on Tate Landis who’s committed to York College. Landis was limited to ten points and just three in the second half. The 5’11 sharpshooter averages 18 points. Rodriguez challenged Burdine to pick up his defensive intensity at halftime. Avery Sapp and 6’2 freshman Caleb Johnsen had ten points apiece. Reading led 17-15 after eight minutes and 35-23 at the break. Xavier Davis chipped in with nine points and Myles Grey added seven. The Red Knights were 9-11 from the free throw line, while the Warriors went 7-11. Reading connected five times from beyond the arc and forced 15 turnovers. The Warriors slip to (1-4) all-time in the District 3 Finals. The Red Knights earned their record 23rd District 3 championship and second in a row. I asked Rodriguez about playing for the winningest program in Pennsylvania. The Red Knights have piled up 2,213 victories. Reading is a remarkable (134-51) in the District 3 playoffs. The Red Knights will host Downingtown West on Wednesday at 7pm in the first round of the state tournament. Rodriguez said, “I think we can win it all.” Reading is the defending state champion in Class 6A.