Ruben Rodriguez-Reading

How good were the Red Knights in the first quarter at Wilson? Ruben Rodriguez said, “If we stay like that during every quarter, I feel like nobody can beat us.” The all-state guard had a game-high 15 points in a 64-36 rout at West Lawn. Reading had lost six of the previous eight games to the Bulldogs. Rodriguez told me that they were on a mission tonight. The 6’1 junior jammed seven points into the first quarter. The Red Knights led 28-10 after eight minutes. Wilson opened the second quarter on an 11-2 run to get within nine points, but the (3-2, 0-2) Bulldogs trailed 38-22 at halftime. Reading outscored Wilson 18-3 in the third quarter to put the mercy rule into effect. Rodriguez is averaging 11 points per game for the (5-0, 2-0) Red Knights. He knows that he doesn’t need to score 20 a night for them to be successful. Rodriguez talked about his two dunks in the third quarter. He loves to see the fans go wild and appreciates their support. Rodriguez believes that creating turnovers and pushing the tempo are two big keys for Reading. They forced 22 turnovers through three quarters including nine in the pivotal first period. Daniel Alcantara finished with 14 points. The third team all-state selection is averaging 18.6 points. The Red Knights were 10-16 from the free throw line. They connected on four 3-pointers. Junior guard Myles Grey tied his career-high with 13 points. He also put 13 on the board vs. Exeter last week. Rodriguez said that Grey motivates the entire team with his hustle. I asked Rodriguez if anyone in Berks County can compete with them. Plus, I learned what gift he wants for Christmas.