Imhotep Charter dominates and advances to 4A State Quarterfinals By: Tyler Harden

POTTSVILLE— The Imhotep Charter Panthers have dominated Pennsylvania High School Basketball in recent years, and tonight was no different. The Panthers were coming off of a big win over Eastern Lebanon County in the first round of the 4A State Playoffs. But their opponent, Montoursville, was in a good rhythm of their own, and was determined to take down a giant.

Imhotep started off strong, led by big man, Elijah Taylor, who scored the first 8 points of the game for the Panthers. “I have to dominate,” Taylor said, “I have to be a part of everything, everything I can do to help my team win.” Taylor has signed with Notre Dame. But Dillon Young was keeping Montoursville in the game, as he scored the first 8 points for the Warriors. The first quarter ended with Imhotep on top 14-10, but Montoursville was not making it easy.

Montoursville cut Imhotep’s lead to one to start the second quarter, as Hunter Shearer hit a three to make it 14-13. But Imhotep responded right back with a dunk by Kamrohn Roundtree. Montoursville was later able to tie the game at 18, this time with a three by Jake Simms. Imhotep then found the momentum they needed, as Naji Reid hit a three and Elijah Taylor scored on a two hand slam. The Panthers went into halftime with a 25-18 lead.

That momentum carried into the second half, as Imhotep went on an 11-0 run to give themselves a 20 point lead. But Peyton Messina hit a three for Montoursville to give them their first points of the second half. The Warriors started to put the ball in the basket more from here, and cut Imhotep’s lead to 12. Imhotep had a 42-30 lead going into the final quarter.

Imhotep went on a 7-0 run to start the fourth quarter, led by Kamrohn Roundtree and Yahmir Satterfield. The Panthers were taking advantage of Montoursville’s turnovers and turning them into points. Every time the Warriors scored, Imhotep answered, and then some.

With just under two minutes left in the game, the starters came off the floor. Once the clock hit zero, Imhotep had defeated Montoursville 60-38. “It’s one more on the road to our championship”, Elijah Taylor said, “I don’t overlook anybody, but I don’t talk myself into ‘I don’t know how to stop these guys.’ I have the mentality of your in the way of my goal, and I have to get where I have to go.”

Elijah Taylor led Imhotep with 18 points and 15 rebounds. Kahmron Roundtree scored 14 points for the Panthers, Yahmir Satterfield scored 13, all in the second half, and Naji Reid added 9. Dylan Young and Austin Loe led Montoursville with 10 points each, and Hunter Shearer added 8.

Imhotep will play Lancaster Catholic, who won in 4 overtimes over Belle Vernon, in the 4A State Quarterfinals on Friday, March 13th at a site and time to be determined. “[We have to] keep the Imhotep legacy going”, Elijah Taylor said, “we’re a program full of winners, there’s been winners before us, and there will be winners after us.” Montoursville’s season has come to an end, and they finish the season with a record of 21-6.