High School Boys Basketball:
Shawnee Heats Up In Final Quarter To Advance In Playoffs

Tuesday, March 2, 1999

By Art Redd Jr.
SJSports Staff Writer

No one told the Cherokee Chiefs to lay down and let the Shawnee Renegades beat them just because they lost to them during the regular season. The Renegades were expected to just dominate Cherokee in the first round of the NJSIAA South Jersey Group 4 boys basketball tournament. Shawnee watched the Chiefs hit everything they threw up to the basket in the first quarter to show the visiting crowd they came to play ball. But Shawnee didn't disappoint the home crowd as they shut down Cherokee's offense late in the game and came away with a 66-45 victory. The Renegades advance to the next round of the playoffs against Highland.

Things started out furious as the Chiefs were able to find the range early and keep the pressure on their opponent. Kyle Cuneo led the charge for Cherokee as they established the tempo of the game early. Shawnee began to play the roll of just trying to match the Chiefs attack and kept the game close. The Chiefs success from the perimeter allowed them to post a 16-12 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Cherokee faithful could sense an upset victory.

Freshman Zach Martin along with the Renegades backcourt dominated the middle and snatched the rebounds to prevent any attempts for offensive rebounds. In the middle, Chris Atlenburger returned to the lineup for Shawnee. His 6'5" frame began to shut down the lane and began to force Cherokee to try and repeat the success they had in the first quarter. Shawnee outscored the Chiefs by nine and went into the locker room at the half with a 30-25 lead.

After an evenly played third quarter, Shawnee showed why they were the favorites. The Renegades took charge in the final quarter and outscored the opponents 21-5. The stifling defense hindered the Chiefs offense to only two baskets and the Renegades pulled away for the victory. Zach Martin had a game high 19-points, Sean Mulholland added 14 points and Chris Altenburger finished with 11 points for Shawnee. For Cherokee, Kyle Cuneo had a team high 16 points, Ryan Hewitt added 11 and Brian Ehrhart contributed 10 points.

Photos by Art Redd