Phillips Exeter Boys Basketball fell to a talented Brewster Academy team in Wolfeboro, NH on Wednesday. One of the top-rated prep teams nationally, Brewster opened up a ten point first-half lead with strong offensive rebounding and three point shooting. Despite losing Yale-bound Reggie Willhite '08 to a back injury, PEA was able to handle Brewster's full court pressure with poised play from guards Jabari Trotter '08 and Nate Schwarze '08. Alex King '08 made three of his five three point shots in the first half to keep Exeter in the game.
Brewster Academy continued to shoot the ball well in the second half, yet Exeter was able to generate easier scoring opportunities in the half court, hitting a total of ten three point shots to cut the Brewster lead to six with 90 seconds to play. Exeter was unable to convert on two consecutive possessions in the last minute giving Brewster the nine point win. Exeter was led in scoring by Jabari Trotter (25 pts) and Alex King (21 pts).
Submitted by Coach Jay Tilton
Exeter started slow out of the gate after a long trip to Wallingford, CT to play in a 32 minute game versus Class B Choate. Sharp three point shooting by Choate kept the game within two points at 24-22 midway through the first half. Following a timeout, Exeter regained momentum with ball pressure and offensive transition to finish the half on a 16-2 run. Following intermission, Exeter came out strong, scoring in the post consistently through center Chris Applegate '08, who finished with 13 points and eight rebounds. Jabari Trotter '08 led the way with seventeen points as ten Exeter players scored in the contest.
Submitted by Coach Jay Tilton
Exeter returned for the first of four consecutive home games to play Kimball Union Academy. Both teams traded baskets in the first half as the lead never eclipsed more than five points. While Exeter was able to keep KUA's talented back court in check, six of nine three point shooting from KUA's remaining starters kept the game tied at half. Consistent pressure defense from Exeter guards Nate Schwarze '08 and Jabari Trotter '08 resulted in several offensive transition opportunities in the first eight minutes of the second half as Exeter grabbed a lead it wouldn't relinquish. Chris Applegate '08 (13 points and seven rebounds) and John Squires '08 controlled the boards in the second half as tweleve Exeter players scored. Jabari Trotter was high scorer with fifteen points.
Submitted by Coach Jay Tilton
In a physical battle that saw several lead changes in the first half, Phillips Exeter Academy played one of its best complete basketball games of the season. Trailing by five with seventeen minutes to go in the game, Exeter chipped away at Navy Prep's limited numbers with pressure man-to-man defense, forcing several second half turnovers. Creating high percentage shots versus Navy's man-to-man defense in the first half, Exeter forced Navy Prep to turn to a half court zone in the second. Exeter responded with its best shooting performance of the season. Jon Pike '08 scored from several areas of the floor, finishing with 21 points. Alex King '08 (heading to Duke University) and Jamie Karraker '08 (heading to MIT) combined for eleven three pointers in the game while Nate Schwarze '08 added nine assists to only two turnovers. Exeter finished with four players in double figures (Pike 21, King 20, Karraker 18, and Jabari Trotter '08 with 14).
Submitted by Coach Jay Tilton
Exeter hosted Class A Northfield Mount Hermon in front of a big crowd Wednesday afternoon. Looking for its first two game sweep of NMH in several years, both teams played a physical style resembling a college game atmosphere. Exeter relied on quick transition play and consistent shooting to build a twenty point lead in the first half. With a fourteen point lead at intermission, Exeter met two athletic runs by a talented NMH team in the second half. Exeter responded to both with runs of their own, recapturing double-digit leads. Exeter continued its attack on the three point line as four different players connected a total of twelve times beyond the arc. Jabari Trotter '08 led all scorers with 26 points (4 threes, 6-7 free throws). Jon Pike '08 added 18 points, Nate Schwarze '08 10 points and Alex King '08 12 points.
Submitted by Coach Jay Tilton
Looking for its sixth win in seven games Exeter, jumped out to a decisive 34-4 lead in the opening minutes Friday night versus Hebron Academy. Jon Pike '08 led all scorers with sixteen points. Raoul Oloa '08 added ten points along with terrific offensive zone play. Every Exeter player scored in the game as Andy Goessling '08, Charles Davis '08 and Captain Max Gordon '08 (headed to Carnegie Melon) added eight points. Vaughn Coder '08 collected seven rebounds in strong play off the bench for Exeter.
Submitted by Coach Jay Tilton
Exeter returned to the road for a NEPSAC Class A game versus New Hampton School, one of the top prep programs in the country. Exeter continued its strong first-half play, jumping out to a fourteen point lead. Exeter countered New Hampton's size and athleticism by sharing the ball and scoring in second options in its half court offense. Exeter played one of its best stretches of defense early on as Chris Applegate '08, Jon Pike '08 and John Squires '08 limited New Hampton's second chance opportunities on the glass. Alex King '08 converted three of his five trifectas in the first-half as Exeter took a fourteen point lead into the locker room. PEA built its lead to 21 in the second half as Nate Schwarze '08 directed a poised attack on New Hampton's changing defensive schemes. Schwarze finished the game with 10 points and 8 assists. Jabari Trotter '08 (27 points, 4 threes), Alex King '08 (21 points, 5 threes) and Jon Pike (14 points) led a balanced Exeter scoring attack. Raoul Oloa '08 added a strong defensive spark as Exeter defeated New Hampton on the road for the first time in 24 years.
Submitted by Coach Jay Tilton
Phillips Exeter defeated Holderness School at PEA Saturday afternoon for their ninth win in ten games. Five Exeter players reached double figures in the game as every team member saw game action. Jabari Trotter '08 lead all scorers with 20 points. John Squires '08 added 17 points and 9 rebounds off the bench. Nate Schwarz '08 continued to play efficiently with four assists and 2 steals. Exeter continues NEPSAC Class A play versus league rival Worcester Academy at Exeter this Wednesday at 5pm.
Submitted by Coach Tilton
