
Perkiomen's Colin Buckwalter lays up for a shot in Monday's game against Delaware Valley Friends School. The Panthers won, 60-28.
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Aidan O'Brien delivered an offensive spark to help the Perkiomen School boys basketball team post consecutive home victories this week.
On Monday, he scored 25 points in a 60-28 victory over the Delaware Valley Friends School. The following day he added a team-high 16 points in a 58-18 victory over the Kimberton Waldorf School.
"Forty one points in two games is a lot for me," O'Brien said.
The player credited his teammates for that success, saying they put him in perfect position to score.
"Aiden is really looking good," Panthers head coach Mark Longstreth said.
A junior from Green Lane, O'Brien wasn't attempting make a statement about earning more minutes on the floor. He said his playing time has been split evenly between starting and coming off the bench.
"I feel like I'll get whatever playing time I earn," O'Brien said. "I don't care how I am used, so long as it helps the team."
On Tuesday, Perkiomen School (5-3 overall) posted their third straight victory. O'Brien scored all of his points in the first half. In the first quarter against Kimberton Waldorf School, which brought only six players, he contributed six consecutive points.
"Early in the year, everyone was trying to execute perfectly," the coach said. "Lately, we have been playing freer and with more confidence."
O'Brien delivered 10 points in the second quarter. He registered eight consecutive tallies midway through the second quarter to put the team ahead, 33-4.
Maxim Robertson finished with seven points, six rebounds and three blocks for the Panthers. Bill Finnegan, freshman Sam Corrao and sophomore Samuel Glavin each added six points.
"The last few days have been very good for me and the team," O'Brien said.
According to Longstreth, O'Brien's playing time has recently increased due to his versatility. The coach said the player's offensive skills are equally effective inside and outside, and that he can guard several positions on defense.
"My goal is to play great defense," O'Brien said. "I take pride in minimizing the scoring opportunities of the guys I cover."
During their three-game winning streak, the Panthers have displayed a deep bench. In a 45-32 victory over Mercy Vocational High School on Jan. 7, Martynas Simanavicius scored a team-high 14 points. Ja'ren Hampton added 12 points and sophomore Bryce Noel contributed 10.
In the blowout win over the Delaware Valley Friends School, Miles Longstreth supported O'Brien's effort by scoring 10 points.
"A number of guys showed what they can do in the game," said the coach, whose team hosts league opponent Renaissance Academy on Thursday and Eastern University Academy Charter on Friday.
Mark Longstreth described the lopsided victories as necessary. He said they expose weaknesses that must be improved.
"There are always things we can work on," O'Brien said.
In its initial game of the calendar year, on Jan. 6, Perkiomen School fell, 63-36. Miles Longstreth scored 12 points for the team, which trailed 26-5 at the end of the first quarter.
According to O'Brien, the Panthers struggled to pass the ball once they brought the ball over half court against Peddie School's defensive press.