Boys Basketball: McCloskey, Springfield defense get it done in OT

NEWTOWN SQUARE — Springfield coach Kevin McCormick wanted his team to have a quick start in overtime of Friday’s Central League contest against Marple Newtown. In a four-minute game, he said, anything can happen. Well, his Cougars had a quick start. And it didn’t stop until the clock hit zero. They won, 69-59, holding Marple Newtown to two points in the extra session. Brian McCloskey, a reserve senior forward, connected on a three-point play on the opening possession of overtime to set the tone. He added another bucket later on to push the lead to five, then Springfield’s defense and foul shooting iced the game. The Cougars (6-6 overall, 3-4 league) outscored Marple Newtown (6-7, 3-4) 12-2 in overtime.

“Took us extra minutes,’ McCloskey said, “but we got it done.’

McCloskey had nine points. Kevin McCormick, the coach’s son, had 11 before fouling out. With big man Quideer Wimes in foul trouble, those two stepped up. So did Jordan Collins. The 6-3 senior center went for a team-high 25 points and controlled the pace down low. He hit two free throws down the stretch. He hit a smooth turnaround jumper from the low block to give Springfield a 56-55 lead with 35 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Collins was clutch and never let the moment get to him. With his team coming off two loses and with Wimes and the younger McCormick in foul trouble, he knew what he needed to do.

“Stand up for the team,’ Collins said. “Get to the rim more, try not to settle as much.’

Collins, the nephew of former Penn Wood and Lafayette star Frank Barr, knew that Springfield had the size advantage. Marple Newtown’s front line barely touches six feet, if that. The Cougars, and Collins, took advantage.

“Jordan recognizes it’s his time to step up,’ the elder McCormack said. “He just did a phenomenal job.’

The same could be said for McCloskey, who played his most extended minutes of the season. He’s been battling a knee injury, but that wasn’t evident Friday, especially with two key players stapled to the bench.

“I gotta step up, I’m a senior,’ McCloskey said. “I’ve got to take charge of my team, lead them.’

Click HERE to read the remainder of the article.