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Jarvis surpasses 1,000; Berlin Brothersvalley hammers Phil-Mont Christian in 1A quarters

adam ripple, the daily american
·3 min read

MECHANICSBURG -- Berlin Brothersvalley made an emphatic statement in its PIAA Class 1A boys basketball quarterfinal matchup against Phil-Mont Christian on Friday in Mechanicsburg.

Led by junior Craig Jarvis' game-high 24 points, in which he surpassed 1,000 for his career, the Mountaineers never trailed in a 67-43 romp of the Falcons to earn a berth in the state semifinals.

Berlin Brothersvalley’s Craig Jarvis goes to the basket over Phil-Mont Christian’s Jameer Zachary during a PIAA Class 1A quarterfinal boys basketball contest, March 17, in Mechanicsburg.
Berlin Brothersvalley’s Craig Jarvis goes to the basket over Phil-Mont Christian’s Jameer Zachary during a PIAA Class 1A quarterfinal boys basketball contest, March 17, in Mechanicsburg.

"I'm really happy with our kids," said Berlin coach Tanner Prosser. "We played a good four quarters. We had some defensive breakdowns, early, where we gave them some looks that we didn't want to. After that, we were really, really good. Usually, when you make it tough on another team defensively, it opens up your offense. We moved the ball really well and made the right play, especially after the first few minutes. We started moving the ball, got good looks and knocked them down."

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Berlin (25-2) took a 10-4 advantage following a three from Caden Montgomery. The Mountaineers later went on a 7-0 spurt to hold a 20-10 lead.

Berlin Brothersvalley’s Caden Montgomery gets Phil-Mont Christian’s Kendall Bratten (32) leaning the wrong way during a PIAA Class 1A quaterfinal boys basketball contest, March 17, in Mechanicsburg.
Berlin Brothersvalley’s Caden Montgomery gets Phil-Mont Christian’s Kendall Bratten (32) leaning the wrong way during a PIAA Class 1A quaterfinal boys basketball contest, March 17, in Mechanicsburg.

The District 5 champs held a 25-14 lead after one.

Berlin continued to roll in the second frame. A 10-0 run, headlined by a Haydon Hutzell three from the wing, gave the Mountaineers a commanding 36-14 lead.

Second-round spectacleBerlin Brothersvalley too much for Aquinas Academy; punches ticket to PIAA quarterfinals

Phil-Mont Christian (20-10), the District 1 runners-up, did not tally a point until 3:18 remaining in the half on two made free throws by Ewan Chi. The Falcons were held to just one field goal in the second. Berlin led 39-20 at the break behind Jarvis and Pace Prosser's 11 points each.

Berlin invoked the running clock in the third quarter. The Mountaineers went on a torrid 17-3 run to hold a 59-27 advantage. Jarvis had seven points during the stretch and hit the 1,000-point plateau with two made free throws.

"The main goal was to get the win (Friday)," Jarvis said. "I wouldn't have been able to go over 1,000 points without my coaches and teammates. This is just exciting to be going to the Final 4."

Coach Prosser spoke highly of Jarvis and what he brings to the Mountaineers.

"He's one of the best shooters I've ever coached, if not the best," the veteran coach said. "He's a knockdown (three-point) kid. Not only does he have that, but he's developed the rest of his game. He defends. He can get the ball to the basket. He's just become a great all-around player. There's no secret that he puts a ton of time into it, and it's well-deserved."

Berlin Brothersvalley’s Pace Prosser reacts after a long-range three-pointer opens the scoring against Phil-Mont Christian during a PIAA Class 1A quarterfinal boys basketball contest, March 17, in Mechanicsburg.
Berlin Brothersvalley’s Pace Prosser reacts after a long-range three-pointer opens the scoring against Phil-Mont Christian during a PIAA Class 1A quarterfinal boys basketball contest, March 17, in Mechanicsburg.

Prosser contributed 15 points and Ryan Blubaugh added 13 for the Mountaineers.

"The thing with all of our guys is that it's all about winning. None of them care who gets the credit," Coach Prosser said. "This is why it's a special group."

Berlin will meet undefeated District 3 champion Linville Hill Christian (25-0), a 63-58 victor over District 1 champ Chester Charter in the state semifinals at 7 p.m. on Monday at Chambersburg High School. The Mountaineers will have a quick turnaround to prepare for the Warriors.

"It's just a one game at a time approach," Coach Prosser said. "We play in two days. It's a great accomplishment to make the Final 4. There's not a lot of Berlin teams in the history that have done that. There's a few, so it's a great accomplishment. These kids are hungry, and right now, their focus is to get prepared for Monday night. That's it. Nothing else."

Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on Twitter @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Berlin Brothersvalley dumps Phil-Mont Christian, earns semifinal berth