As the post-season looms for the The Perkiomen School boys basketball team, increased concentration is crucial, according to Nick Guadarrama. "It's crunch time," he said. "We can't be slacking off."

                Following a 47-43 loss to The Hill School on Jan. 25, the Panthers posted consecutive Tri-County Independent School League victories over Mercy Vocational Academy (66-40) and Collegium Charter School (50-42). 

                In the Jan. 27 home game against Mercy, Chandler Brooks finished with a team-high 19 points and Guadarrama contributed 17 points. They started fast, building a big early lead. Eleven players received significant playing time in the first half, according to head coach Thomas Baudinet.  "Some of our guys really needed the rest," said the coach.

                In the league victory over Collegium Charter School on Tuesday, the Panthers (17-4) struggled, according to Guadarrama, a junior forward. 

                Reggie James converted 11 of 12 foul shots from the foul line and finished with 17 points for The Perkiomen School to hold off a late charge by the host Cougars.

                Guadarrama delivered 12 points, while Chandler Brooks added eight, and Bryce Noel registered seven points.

                "We had a bad practice on [Monday], and it showed on the court in the game," he said. "We can't play like this if we expect to win a state championship."

                The Perkiomen School's toughest test of 2017 came in the four-point loss at The Hill School. According to Baudinet, the host Rams held a height and depth advantage. He said their roster includes six players taller than 6-foot-6 and seven potential Division I or Division II scholarship players.       

                "The Hill School was a high quality opponent," the coach said.

                The Panthers played good defense, but tired in the third quarter of their third game in three consecutive days, according to Baudinet. "The Hill School scored a bunch in transition," the coach said. "We were too tired to push the pace."

                Guadarrama scored a game-high 19 points for his team, while Brooks registered 10 points.

                Baudinet and Guadarrama both welcome another shot at The Hill School, which could come later this month in the Pennsylvania Independent School State Tournament.

                But first, The Perkiomen School must get through the league playoffs, which are scheduled to begin Feb. 9. Prior to that, the team will play road games against Phelps School (Feb. 2) and Peddie School (Feb. 3). 

                "Our guys have continued to improve," the coach said. "We've got a few more weeks to make some strides. The biggest thing for is that we need to be able to score a little better."