Strong defense continues to fuel the Haddonfield Memorial High School boys' basketball team, which went undefeated last week to remain at the top of the Colonial Conference Liberty Division. Meanwhile, a host of swimmers recorded times good enough to earn a trip to the state meet and the wrestling team honored an American Hero.
BOYS' BASKETBALL
The Bulldawgs continue to excel on the defensive end and as a result, the wins continue to pile up. Haddonfield went 3-0 last week with wins over Collingswood (68-44), Sterling (59-43) and Pennsauken (56-38). In 14 games the Bulldawgs have allowed their opponents to surpass the 50-point mark just three times.
Chris Biddle had the hot hand against the Knights, draining a series of jump shots and finishing with 20 points. Billy Griffin and Nick Depersia had 11 and 10, respectively. Haddonfield led by just three points after three quarters but pulled away down the stretch by outscoring Sterling, 23-10 in the final period.
Biddle stayed hot against Pennsauken, once again finishing with 20 points, while Depresia netted 14. Robby Depersia also contributed quality minutes and had nine points.
Haddonfield returns to the court Tuesday against Lindenwold before taking on rival West Deptford in a highly-anticipated rematch, Thursday. The Eagles led the Bulldawgs for three quarters but Haddonfield came through in the clutch to take a 79-74 win in the first meeting.
GIRLS' BASKETBALL
The Collingswood girls' basketball team entered Haddonfield as one of the hottest teams in the Colonial Conference. The Panthers won 10 of their first 11 games with a combination of gritty defense and timely shooting. None of that mattered once the Bulldawgs' defense clamped down.
In what has been this season's signature win, Haddonfield suffocated Collingswood, 39-20. The Bulldawgs defense made a statement right from the tip, shutting out the Panthers in the first period. Haddonfield led 24-5 at the half and were never threatened. Taylor Sehdev and Maddie Betley scored eight points each in the win.
Unfortunately, the Bulldawgs had the tables turned on them a couple of days later as Sterling outscored Haddonfield, 16-4, in the first quarter and never looked back in a 57-38 win. Hayley Raymond led the Bulldawgs with 11 points.
Haddonfield (6-6) has a busy week ahead. It will take on Lindenwold (Tuesday), West Deptford (Thursday) and Florence (Saturday).
SWIMMING
The Bulldawgs continue to pile up victories and state qualifiers. Sophie Fontaine has been the most dominant swimmer in the pool this season, qualifying for the state meet in the 100 free, 200 free, 500 free, 100 fly and 100 back. Teammates Jessie Cashman (100 fly) and Emily Rollo (200 IM, 100 back) also earned a trip to states, as did the 200 medley relay team.
On the boys side, Quinn Ladig will be a serious contender in the sprints after qualifying for the 50 and 100 free. David Huehnergarth (100 fly) and Ryan Richards (500 free) have recorded successful times, as have the 200 medley relay and 200 free relay teams.
The boys' team is now 7-1 after a 124-46 win over Haddon Heights and a 112-60 loss to St. Joe's Prep, while the girls are 6-1 after wins over Bishop Eustace (108-62) and Seneca (138-32).
WRESTLING
The Bulldawgs started their week with a convincing 52-27 win over Sterling. They racked up the pins with Christian Kreps, William Benedict, Peter Rhodes, Nate Finnegan, David Hessert, Crawford Oswald, Frank Fortino and Henry Klaus all pressing their opponents' shoulders against the mat. Unfortunately, Haddonfield could not carry the momentum over and suffered losses to Audubon 29-25 and Buena (42-24).
The loss to the Chiefs wasn't all bad, though, as the Bulldawgs paid tribute to their inaugural 1948-49 team, including John A. Dramesi, who spent six years as a prisoner in Vietnam without divulging a single piece of information about the U.S. Dramesi, who is widely considered a national hero, was in attendance along with his brother, Leonard.
The Bulldawgs (6-7) will look to get back on the winning track this week, starting with a local showdown against Haddon Heights, Wednesday. Haddonfield will then take on wrestling powerhouse Paulsboro, Friday.
