Seniors ensure SFS's victory

Ron Bailey, Publisher

When necessary, those with experience stepped up.

February 20, 2013 - Experienced players are expected to perform in high school basketball, delivering teams to victory in situations that could yield defeat. Last night at its Senior Night celebration, Sidwell Friends (DC) received such performances, helping it defeat IAC league foe Flint Hill (VA) 40-38.

One fourth year player, Phil McGloin had a major offensive impact for the Quakers when it counted, scoring three quarters of his points on one play; with SFS and Flint Hill tied with 1:08 to play, McGloin hit a key three pointer. The Quakers would not trail again.

“It was a good shot” recalled McGloin afterward. “I saw he slid off me (creating an opening). I felt I had let my team down all game, so I wanted to take a good shot”. McGloin finished with four points, a pair of rebounds and steals, while also adding an assist.

Phil McGloin on the move.

If McGloin’s shot was timely yet infrequent, his fellow senior, swingman Josh Hart contributed a more total game, accounting a game high 19 points and nine deflections, also adding four rebounds, three assists and three steals, plus no turnovers.

Hart, headed to Villanova next year, was a factor in all facets of the game. If pressed, one such play could encapsulate his performance: After Matt Hillman (nine points) – another senior making an impact – hit the second of two foul shots, SFS led 40-38, with 18.1 clicks on the clock, Flint Hill brought the ball down, eventually getting a fairly point blank shot from junior forward Sam Worman (eight points, including leaner 18 seconds previously).

On the game’s final shot attempt, Worman worked his way into the paint, releasing his shot with slightly more than two seconds to play. Unfortunately for him and FH, Hart had rotated over, and being in good position blocked the shot. Worman recovered the ball as regulation expired.

“It was really on my teammates” said Hart of the play. “They were told to force the driver to me, and did that. I just helped them really”.

The Quakers almost didn’t have the opportunity, falling behind 36-33 after suffering a 4-0 run over a fourth quarter, minute and a half period. Hart’s three ball equalized the score soon after at 36, with a slightly less than two minutes to play. Another impact play from him.

Junior guard Britton Anderson led FH, scoring 12 points. Sophomore guard Damien Jones had seven for Flint Hill (11-5, 6-6 in Interstate Athletic Conference play).

SFS (19-7, 7-5), along with FH, await the upcoming IAC tournament, set for this weekend at league member Potomac School (VA).

Exclusive photos are available on Facebook.com/RonBailey19/photos_albums

Recruiting Roundup:

Phil McGloin: Standing 6'0" and weighing 182 pounds, McGloin has grown in stature and skills over his tenure at Sidwell Friends, becoming a player that is willing to drive, shoot and pass - while being guarded. Phil has worked very hard on his ball handling.

A streaky shooter, McGloin needs to burnish his ability to shoot from the perimeter constantly. He also must continue to get stronger, allowing him to better withstand contact.

The University of Chicago, Wesleyan, and Walsh have offered him an opportunity to play college ball. American has sniffed. McGloin is contemplating prep school.