Boys' Latin romps past Pope John Paul II

Boys' Latin's Maurice Watson is fouled from behind by John Paul II's Shane McEachern as he drives between Golden Panthers James Bleming (left) and Kyle Early. (ELIZABETH ROBERTSON / Staff Photographer)

By Rick O'Brien, Inquirer Staff Writer

Posted: March 11, 2012

Boys' Latin put two straight defeats - and three years of state-playoff frustration - behind it on Friday night.

Coming off losses in the Public League final and District 12 championship, the Warriors gained their first PIAA Class AAA state victory in four tries with a 70-49 romp over undermanned Pope John Paul II at Southern High.

Maurice Watson (23 points), Carlos Taylor (20), and Yahmir Greenlee (15) sparked the historic victory.

"We beat them with our speed, fast-break points, and defense," said Greenlee, a 5-foot-9, 150-pound junior point guard. "We took them out of the game early."

Watson, a senior wing guard and Boston University commit, drilled three shots from beyond the arc in the first 13 minutes as Boys' Latin sprinted to a 28-8 advantage.

Taylor netted 16 points after intermission. He finished with seven rebounds.

"The Public League and district playoffs are over," Boys' Latin coach Maurice Watson Sr. said. "This is the big dance. It's win or go home. We were ready."

The Warriors bowed to Constitution in the Public League final and fell to Catholic League titlist Neumann-Goretti in the District 12 championship.

"It was very upsetting," Greenlee said. "We were anxious to get back out on the court and prove ourselves."

Greenlee crammed 12 of his 15 points into the second quarter. Late in the period, with a steal and layup, he notched his 1,000th career point.

In Tuesday's second round, at a neutral site and time to be determined, the Warriors (23-6) will take on either District 11 winner Allentown Central Catholic or District 4 runner-up Shikellamy.

For Pope John Paul II (17-11), senior Kyle Early (14) and junior Brent Mahoney (12) combined for 26 points.

In the nightcap at Southern, Constitution buried District 3's Camp Hill, 84-45, in a Class A opener.

Pope John Paul II 2 9 17 21 - 49

Boys' Latin 14 18 22 16 - 70

PJP: Kyle Early 14, Brent Mahoney 12, Jamel Stinson 5, Jacob Gribb 4, James Bleming 7, Timothy Tadros 3, Patrick Vasas 1, Cameron Byrne 3.

BL: Maurice Watson 23, Yahmir Greenlee 15, Carlos Taylor 20, Rashan Wooten-Miller 5, Pasquale Dimascio 4, Ismael Kagone 1, Tymir Watson 2.

Contact Rick O'Brien

at robrien@phillynews.com

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