Saints hope West Reading title sets the tone for an even bigger championship

Moments after winning one championship Thursday, Josiah Jordan hinted at adding another.

A year ago Jordan and his Berks Catholic teammates used a championship in the Ron Krick Memorial League as a springboard toward a big high school season, culminating with a District 3 Class 4 title.

The rising senior is hoping Berks Packing’s thrilling 46-45 overtime win over Marrella Financial in the league championship at the West Reading Elementary Center does the same.

“It’s always a new start with a new team,” he said of the Saints’ summer re-load following the graduation of a pair of starters from a 23-5 state tournament team. “You’re gonna have your ups and downs, especially in the summer. Right now, if we get our act together, we get our shooting together, we’re gonna look real nice. Maybe go back-to-back with something else this year.”

He didn’t come out say the Saints were headed for another district title game, but he didn’t have to. With Jordan at the switch and 3-point threats Ryan Koch and Jack Miller on the wings Snip Esterly’s club is gonna be tough for anyone to stop next season.

With the kind of contributions they’ve gotten throughout the West Reading playoffs from Parker Nein, Jaxon Geddio and Kevin Lawlor — reserves who saw limited minutes last season — there’s reason to believe they could match last year’s performance, maybe more.

Jordan, as usual, was terrific Thursday with a game-high 25 points on a variety of slashing, twisting moves to the basket that almost no one can stop. Of course, he couldn’t — and didn’t — do it all.

He got the assist on what might have been the most pivotal shot of the game, a 3-pointer from Nein that snapped a 40-40 tie 15 seconds into overtime.

“He was icy all game but when it came down to that he hit it,” Jordan said of Nein’s only basket.

“I trust every single one of those guys on that team. I just put it in his hands and he let it fly.”

Despite not finding the bottom of the net earlier in the game Nein said his confidence was bolstered by a defensive play he made in the final minute of regulation when he forced a turover on a trap, then fed Jackson for a layup.

“I knew that JayJay was gonna drive and the whole defense was gonna collapse on him,” Nein said of his 3, “so I knew the shot was gonna be there.

“I just let it go and it went in. My confidence was up there because of that steal.”

The Wilson-rostered Marella squad came back from Nein’s 3, even with starting guards Cam Jones and Cleveland Harding Jr. on the bench after having fouled out in the final 90 seconds of regulation.

Rising sophomore Madyx Gruber, who shared the Wilson lead with nine points, hit a pair of free throws, then completed a three-point play for a 45-44 lead with 33 seconds left.

That was more than enough time for Jordan to win it. He casually brought the ball upcourt, glanced up at the clock, then took off down the lane, scoring the game-winner on a finger roll with 15 seconds left.

Wilson led 39-35 when Jones picked up his fifth with 1:11 left in regulation.

“Cleveland and Jones were out of the game, so I just took advantage of that,” Jordan said. “I knew it was go time. I told Ryan, ‘Let’s take advantage of it. Now is the time, we gotta go, we gotta go.’ It worked in our favor.”

The Saints beat the Bulldogs in last year’s West Reading championship, too. They’re hoping this championship gives them the same kind of boost they gained a year ago.

“You saw what it did for us,” said BC assistant coach Jason Linderman. “We were coming off a mediocre year by Berks Catholic standards (a 6-11 finish in 2020-21). It gave the kids some confidence and got them ready for the run they made last year. Hopefully it does the same thing this year.”

Jordan knew he faced a challenge against Jones, one of the strongest and most gifted defensive players in the county. He scored most of his points early — nine in the first quarter, most before Jones got on the floor — or late — he had seven of the Saints’ final 10 points after Jones fouled out.

“I haven’t seen anybody guard me like that before,” Jordan said of Jones. “There’s not much you can do with a strong guy like him.

“I told Ryan, he’s gonna smother me, so that’s open for you. You’ve gotta drive the basket and look for your shot.”

Koch did, finishing with 11 points.

Wilson had a balanced scoring attack, with Harding scoring nine, Ofure Odiale eight and Jones and Aidan Melgrana seven apiece.

Jordan and his teammates each held up two fingers during the post-game team photo, signifying two straight championships.

“It’s always a busy summer for me, and these other guys,” said Jordan, an all-league football player. “They have baseball, and golf, we’re all doing different stuff, but when it comes down to business it’s business. We’re gonna be there for each other.

“We know what we can do from last year. We’re just looking to make it happen again.”