York Suburban's Mitch Kemp

York Suburban's Mitch Kemp didn't need any extra motivation coming into Monday's game, but there was plenty to be found.

He and his undefeated Trojan teammates, ranked fifth in the state entering play, were facing another unbeaten squad in YAIAA Division III rival Eastern York, who was ranked one better statewide.

Add to that a postseason-like atmosphere and a sold-out gym filled with ridiculously raucous fans representing both schools. Throw in the fact that Kemp stood a mere 10 points away from 1,000 for his career, and the formula for a special night was in place.

The game lived up to the hype, as the Trojans squandered a double-digit fourth-quarter lead before bouncing back to snatch a 68-67 double-overtime victory.

"It was a very good win against a very good team, but its still one game of 21," said York Suburban coach Tom Triggs. "It was a good game to prepare us (for the postseason), but you can't put more emphasis on one game, or you'll end up slipping up."

In a game that was filled with lead changes late, Suburban dominated early by opening up a 18-13 lead after the first quarter.

In the second quarter, with the Knights inching closer at 18-15, Kemp and the Trojans made the night's first indelible impression. Kemp scored back-to-back buckets to cap an 8-0 run that vaulted Suburban to a 26-15 lead.

The second of those baskets, a runner inside the lane, gave Kemp his milestone. Play paused as Kemp received congratulatory handshakes from

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his opposition and coaches during a boisterous standing ovation. He was also given the game ball, which he handed over to his sister Jessica, a former Trojan star and fellow career 1,000-plus point scorer.

"It's a great accomplishment, but me as a person I would take a county, district or state championship over scoring 1,000 points any day," said Kemp. "I'd rather have a banner. It's not me scoring 1,000, it's my team scoring 1,000, because they helped me the whole way."

With just more than seven minutes left in the fourth quarter, Eastern found itself down 47-35, and coach Larry Fisher knew if his Knights didn't make an adjustment soon the game would be lost.

Eastern turned to an intense full-court press, and combined with a huge 10-point explosion by Levi Myers, the Knights were able to force the extra sessions.

Down by five at 61-56 late in the first overtime, Kemp drained three of his game-high 28 points to pull Suburban within two at 1:01 left to play. After stopping Eastern on the subsequent possession, Cole Wagner's basket tied the game yet again.

Eastern got out to another fast lead midway through the second overtime at 67-63 before another huge Kemp bomb from beyond the arc brought Suburban within one with 2:15 remaining.

After trading possessions, Eastern found itself with a chance to seal the victory. However, Thomas McInerney was able to grab his most important rebound of the night on the Knights' next possession and was able to move the ball quickly downcourt past the Eastern press.

The Trojans worked the ball around the perimeter before finding Ryan Kinard down near the left block. Kinard's initial hesitation dribble created enough of a lane for him to get to the basket and lay in the game-winner with :28 second left.

"I'm really proud of my guys and their effort tonight," said Fisher. "And what they did in the fourth quarter shows a lot. It gives us something to look forward to."

Sophomore sensation Andrew Nicholas did everything he could to give Eastern the victory, turning in a gritty 24-point, seven-rebound and five-steal performance.

ALL IN THE
FAMILY


A look back at some of the brothers and sisters in the YAIAA who have scored 1,000 points during their
basketball careers.
  
DALLASTOWN
Allan Campbell ('90) 1,374
Tom Campbell ('93) 1,518
Alison Campbell ('94) 1,304

KENNARD-DALE
Aaron Eaton ('95) 1,236
Amy Eaton ('97) 1,360

LITTLESTOWN
Darrell Crabbs Jr. ('95) 1,015
Mandy Crabbs ('00) 1,065