By Vincent Lewis
SJSports Staff Writer
vlewis@sjsports.com
With the deadline for making the playoffs quickly approaching, there are several teams looking to stay above the five hundred percentage mark to assure themselves a spot in the upcoming postseason. The Pioneers from Clearview are one of those teams that are in a good position and took full advantage against a struggling Cumberland team. Clearview jumped out to a commanding lead in the first quarter and cruised the rest of the way. The Pioneers convincingly posted a 68-51 victory in a Tri-County Conference Royal Division contest.
This Saturday’s February 8th deadline to qualify for the upcoming basketball tournament is a date marked on most calendars. Clearview (9-6) has a total of nine games remaining with 3 more games before the cutoff date. Those three teams are Highland, Williamstown and Gloucester Catholic with two of those teams defeated the Pioneers.
After jumping out to a 10-point lead after one period, the Pioneers suddenly faced with a rejuvenated Colts team. Tony Braziel, Darnell Williams, Brian Karol and Nazir Rennie led their Cumberland team back within striking distance right before the half and trial by nine at the half. Things would turn quickly back in Clearview’s favorite and captured the victory. Pat Secula and Sean McQuade led the Pioneers with a game-high 14 points, Keith Heimrel finished with 13 points for Clearview. Brian Karol led Cumberland with 10 points.
