2007 - 2008 Boys Varsity Basketball

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

A large crowd enjoyed a hard fought game that went wire to wire versus Class A rival Worcester Academy on Wednesday afternoon at Phillips Exeter. Jabari Trotter '08 connected on his eighth three pointer of the game with less than a second remaining giving Exeter the one point victory and its tenth win in eleven attempts since Christmas. Worcester Academy's size advantage played a key role in establishing their four point lead at intermission. Exeter struggled to maintain any offensive consistency, failing to convert on three consecutive trips to open the half before Jon Pike '08 answered with a slashing dunk against Worcester's half court zone. Worcester twice built leads of eight points in the second half, while three PEA players experienced foul trouble. Exeter was able to keep the game within reach as Trotter and guard Nate Schwarze '08 continued to find Pike, Chris Applegate '08 and Jon Squires '08 on the interior, keeping Worcester's perimeter defense honest enough to open up perimeter shooting opportunities for Exeter's guards. Trotter, Jamie Karraker '08 and Alex King '08 converted eleven three point shots providing the offensive spark that kept Exeter in the game.

Trailing by 4 points with 26 seconds remaining, Pike converted on a two point field goal. Following the final timeout, Exeter quickly fouled Worcester with less than 10 seconds remaining, sending WA to the foul line for two shots. Worcester failed to convert on both free throws providing PEA with one final opportunity. With Trotter closely guarded in the backcourt, Nate Schwarze received the outlet pass, attacked the center of the floor and smartly pitched the ball back to Trotter who elevated off one bounce, two feet behind the three point line over a Worcester defender and connected on the three point shot.

Trotter poured in a game high 27 points while Jon Pike added 15 points. John Squires finished with 13 and a number of key offensive rebounds. Raoul Oloa '08 had four steals and a blocked shot providing needed energy at key moments of the game. Nate Schwarze continued to provide the defensive glue and leadership that kept Exeter close during stretches of inconsistent offense. Both teams deserve a tremendous amount of credit for the effort that was displayed in a game featuring several college bound players.
Submitted by Coach Tilton 

Snowy travel conditions didn't slow down the PEA Boys Basketball team in the first half at Deerfield Saturday afternoon. Arriving only twenty minutes prior to tipoff, Exeter relied on consistent ball pressure holding Deerfield to only 13 points in the first half. Eleven Exeter players contributed to forcing fourteen Deerfield turnovers before intermission. Exeter's offensive transition masked a cold shooting performance in jumping out to a 30-13 lead after sixteen minutes. Jabari Trotter '08 scored 17 points, while Jon Pike '08 added 12 to pace Exeter. Nate Schwarze '08 had 5 assists and 4 steals while Chris Applegate '08 pulled down six rebounds in one half. Exeter received strong performances from seniors Max Gordon, Charles Davis, Andy Goessling and Vaughn Coder off the bench. The victory over Deerfield is Exeter's 14th of the season, tying the most wins for an Exeter team in the modern Class A period. PEA will travel to play NEPSAC Class A power Bridgton Academy this Wednesday.

Phillips Exeter lost only their second game since Christmas at Bridgton Academy on Wednesday. NEPSAC Class A power Bridgton and Exeter locked in a physical contest in front of BA's raucous crowd in a game that saw several lead changes. Exeter countered Bridgton's half court pressure by scoring in the post as Jon Pike '08, Chris Applegate '08 and Jon Squires '08 combined for half of Exeter's points as PEA trailed 34-33 at intermission. Exeter failed to convert on three consecutive open scoring opportunities to start the second half. Falling behind by eight, PEA was able to connect on consecutive three point shots and an offensive put-back to tie the score with four minutes remaining. Trailing by four with under three minutes to play, Exeter had a costly turnover resulting in a conventional three point play that put Bridgton ahead by seven: a lead that BA would not lose. Congratulations to both teams for the hard-fought, competitive effort. Jabari Trotter '08 paced Exeter with 21 points while Raoul Oloa '08 and Jon Pike '08 added 10 points each. Exeter will look to get back on track versus a talented Cushing team at home on Saturday afternoon.
Submitted by Coach Tilton

PEA's Boy's Basketball team recorded the most wins in team history in a thrilling double overtime win in front of a big crowd on Saturday afternoon. It took fifty minutes, but Jon Pike's '08 turn-around jump shot from the baseline as time expired gave the large crowd what they were waiting for and Exeter's fifteenth win of the season. Both teams played a physical style of fast paced basketball resembling a college game. Trailing by as many as eight in the second half, Exeter had key defensive stops against a talented Cushing backcourt. Alex King '08 connected on a pair of key trifectas and Jabari Trotter '08 scored eight points in the final two minutes fueling Exeter's comeback. Trailing by three points with under twenty seconds to play, Cushing converted a three point shot with 1.7 seconds remaining to send the game into overtime.

Neither team was able to gain more than a two point lead in the first overtime as Exeter was forced to stop Cushing's offense on two possessions with under thirty-five seconds to play. Chris Applegate '08, Reggie Willhite '08, Raoul Oloa '08 and Jamie Karraker '08 provided much needed energy on the defensive end to extend the game into the final frame.

The second overtime remained true to form as each team traded baskets until the final minute. With fifteen seconds remaining Exeter had one possession and one time out remaining to set up Pike's final shot. On a perfectly executed play, Raoul Oloa found his teammate on the baseline. With a defender at his back, Pike turned and lofted a high arching shot that found the center of the basket as time expired. Both teams deserve credit for playing such a competitive game with great intensity and class.  Exeter was paced by Pike's 26 points and eight rebounds. Jabari Trotter had a game high seven assists while Raoul Oloa added 13 points, eight rebounds and 4 assists.
Submitted by Coach Tilton

Phillips Exeter defeated Thayer Academy in the final home game of the season Wednesday afternoon. Exeter shuffled the lineup throughout the first half as Andy Goessling '08, Vaughn Coder '08, Max Gordon '08, Charles Davis '08 and Jamie Karraker '08 played solid team defense in building a ten point lead at the half. Both teams played even basketball for early portions of the second half. Consistent pressure on the ball by Exeter's guard rotation and some key rebounds by Vaughn Coder eventually sparked an Exeter run that put the home team up for good. The lead would stretch to as many as 38 points as all players saw several minutes of game action. Exeter was paced by Jamie Karraker's 17 points while Max Gordon added 13. The trio of Coder, Goessling and Davis combined for 21 rebounds as Exeter picked up their sixteenth win in twenty games. Exeter will travel to play Phillips Andover on Saturday for their final game of the season before Class A Tournament play. Come support the Big Red in their effort to extend their eight game win streak versus the Blue in one of the oldest prep school rivalries in the nation.
Submitted by Coach Jay Tilton

Phillips Exeter extended their Exeter/Andover day winning streak to nine consecutive games after beating The Blue at Andover 73-46 on Saturday. In front of a packed gym, Andover jumped out to a 9-8 lead by scoring on their first few possessions. Exeter answered with pressure defense and offensive transition, containing Andover for the next thirteen minutes. Jon Pike's '08 transition dunk ignited a 37-4 Exeter run in which PEA found the three point mark 6 times (11 for the game). Nate Schwarze '08 distributed six assists as Exeter rolled into halftime with a 45-13 advantage. Both teams played even in the final sixteen minutes of the game as all Exeter players saw game action. Alex King '08 and Jamie Karraker '08 topped Exeter in a balanced scoring attack with 13 points respectively. Congratulations to both teams for their competitive play and sportsmanship.
 
The win over Andover closes Exeter's regular season record at 17-4, the best single season total in school history. PEA is headed to the NEPSAC Class A Tournament on Wednesday. 6th seed Exeter will attempt to upset #3 seed (#7 nationally) St Thomas More.
Submitted by Coach Tilton

Phillips Exeter's record setting season came to a close in a one point loss to nationally ranked St. Thomas More School in the quarterfinal of the NEPSAC Tournament. Exeter was two seconds away from upsetting the higher seed in the tournament, but in the end St. Thomas More managed to move on to the semifinal game versus Winchendon.
 
Exeter struggled to knock down open shots in the opening minutes of the game, yet consistently executed on the defensive end as they limited St Thomas More's size and athletic advantage to mainly contested shots in the half court. PEA was able to handle full court pressure and convert on several open opportunities keeping the score within two at intermission. Exeter continued to keep St Thomas More's offense off balance in the opening minutes of the second half as Nate Schwarze's '08 steal and assist to Alex King '08 capped a seven point surge giving Exeter the lead. Both teams traded big plays throughout the half until Exeter pushed the lead to eight with under three minutes to play. St Thomas More was able to force two turnovers and stop the clock on a foul call that quickly turned their deficit into a one point lead. With fifteen seconds remaining, Exeter had one final opportunity to win the game out of a timeout. It looked like Exeter would win its third game with the final shot this season, but Alex King's fifteen foot jump shot from the wing never counted as Exeter was whistled for an offensive foul in the paint with two seconds remaining.
 
Exeter was paced by Jabari Trotter's '08 19 points (6 assists, 6 rebounds). Alex King and Jon Pike '08 added 12 each while Reggie Willhite '08 contributed 11 points. Exeter finishes the season with a 17-5 record. Congratulations to players on both teams for the tremendous effort displayed in a game that was competitive from the opening tip-off.
Submitted by Coach Tilton