Upper Darby, PA – The St. Luke boys took over the number spot from St. Demetrios last night. by penetrating their opponents zone defense and hitting key shots in the third period. Greg Vlassopoulos led the way with 18 points and had the help of Chris Palmieri who ran right through the front line of the St. Demetrios zone defense. St. Luke led at the end of the first half by a score of 19-16, and then poured it on during the third period where they controlled the tempo and led by a score of 31 to 20. St. Demetrios fought back and got within three, but eventually too many missed layups and foul shots cost them. “Anyone can win this league and I’m sure we will see St. Demetrios in the playoffs. There a great team. But tonight we were the victors”, said St. Luke coach Tim Vlassopoulos. Final Score: St. Luke 35, St. Demetrios 29.
Fundamental skills were the difference in the girls matchup between St. Luke and St. Demetrios. St. Luke ran the flour and spread out the scoring, while making many the most of their fast break. By the end of the first quarter they led by a score of 18-2. They slowed the pace during the second period and ended the first half with a lead of 24-6. Player rotation the rest of the game, gave the girls of St. Luke an easy victory and brought their record to 3-3. Final score: St. Luke 38, St. Demetrios 23.
Across the Delaware River in New Jersey at St. Thomas Greek Orthodox church, the day belonged to Evangelismos Greek Orthodox church. They swept all four games in their boys and girls double headers. The victories placed both teams in a tie for second place in the girls and boys divisions.
Girls Results Game 1: Evangelismos 32, St. Thomas 17
Boys Results Game 1: Evangelismos 41, St. Thomas 26
Girls Results Game 2: Evangelismos 1, Holy Trinity Wilmington 0
Boys Results Game 2: Evangelismos 67, Holy Trinity Wilmington 44
Next week’s final round of regular play at St. Demetrios will determine the seating for the playoffs that are scheduled to start in Wilmington Delaware after the holidays. With a victory, the boys of Evangelismos would secure first place at the end of regular play, and a by for the first round of playoffs.