Pennsbury Falcons Stay Hot Entering SOL Tournament Defeating CR North 44-33

By: Jordan Hirsh

February 9, 2023

NEWTOWN, PA. – The Pennsbury Falcons (16-6) finished their regular season with a win on Wednesday night, defeating the Council Rock North Indians (11-11), 44-33. The win was Pennsbury’s sixth in a row.

The game did not start out how the Falcons may have hoped, however, as Council Rock North’s 2-1-2 zone defense held Pennsbury in check during the first half.

Entering the game, Falcons’ head coach Wes Emme knew that the Indians unique defensive style may cause problems for his team early. “They play a little different defensive style than we’re used to, so adjusting to the game early will be important,” said Emme pregame.

At halftime, Pennsbury had yet to adjust to Council Rock North’s defense, at one point even having to use a timeout, as players looked almost confused by what they were seeing. This resulted in a 25-18 deficit going into the break.

In the second half, however, the Falcons figured it out. They started exploiting holes in the 2-1-2 zone, leading to easy buckets at the rim, as well as open looks from deep. They outscored the Indians 15-5 in the third quarter, which was capped off by a Ty Kocak banked-in three in the closing seconds.

Pennsbury’s defense shined in the fourth. They allowed practically no open looks down the stretch, forcing Council Rock North to take difficult shot after difficult shot. In fact, the Indians did not hit their first field goal of the fourth until the 42.9 second mark.

In the meantime, the Falcons hit seven of their ten fourth quarter free throws, as part of an 11-3 run to end the game.

Pennsbury was led by senior guard Ty Kocak, who put together an impressive stat line of 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists. As a result, he was awarded player of the game in his final regular season contest as a member of the Falcons.

When asked about his favorite memory as a part of the Falcons program, Kocak said, “It’s this year. It’s been a great ride. Obviously cutting down the nets, that was the best feeling a basketball player could ever have.”

The ride is not done yet for Pennsbury. They will host the first round of the SOL tournament on Friday against the North Penn Knights (17-5). The Falcons defeated the Knights on their home court, 66-61, back on January 3^rd. However, since that game, North Penn has lost only once.

Coach Emme’s message to Falcon fans ahead of this matchup: “Pack the Nest!”