High School Boys Basketball:
Groark Leads Highland Over Paul VI

Saturday, January 16, 1999

By Art Redd
SJSports Staff Writer

Mark Groark was the player with the shooter's touch in the first half for the Highland Tartans. He had 19 points at the break to lead his team over Paul VI. Highland went on a 10-0 run late in the third and early into the fourth quarter to defeat the Eagles 60-55 in an Olympic Conference meeting. Highland (7-2) rebounded from their loss to Bishop Eustace.

Both of these teams ran their offense very well but used totally different styles of play. Highland used the motion offense to create their scoring opportunities. Paul VI (4-5) used the picks and rolls to free up their players to score. But it was the Eagles' defense that slowed down Highland to give them a 27-23 lead with 2:15 remaining in the half. Groark drained two 3 pointers from Paul VI turnovers to close the gap to one point, 29-28, at the half.

Highland regained the lead with the first basket of the second half. The Eagles began to find their players cutting to the basket for the easy 2 points. Aaron Abbate and Chuck Walter used excellent court vision to find the open players to give Paul VI a 37-32 lead midway through the third quarter. Highland began to find ways to break through the Eagles full court press to start their comeback.

As the final quarter was under way, the Tartans would be at the end of the 10-0 run that began in the third quarter and ended with 6:19 remaining in the game. Highland increased their lead to 7 points, 50-43, when Andrew Frazier slammed home 2 points and ignited the home crowd. The Tartans used the clock and the free throw line to hold onto the victory. Mark Groark had a game high 28 points and Andrew Frazier added 14 points for Highland. Chuck Walter had a team high 17 points and Aaron Abbate and Jack Oliver both had 14 points for Paul VI.

Photos by Art Redd