Cherry Hill East Faces Major Setback as Star Sophomore Suffers Season-Ending Injury
Cherry Hill East’s basketball season was hampered by a catastrophic injury to a key player. Jamieson Young, the team’s leading scorer, can expect to miss the rest of the season after breaking his right ankle.
Young, who averages 21.8 points, was injured against St. Rose on January 17. After starting the game well with 17 points, including four three-pointers, the sophomore was injured in the second quarter. The loss was critical for his club, according to his coach, Dave Allen.
“He was playing phenomenal,” Allen said. We can’t replace him with one player. We must collaborate. A huge loss.”
Surgery to heal the fracture will be challenging for Young and the Cougars. Young recalled, “I was trying to save the ball and landed incorrectly. I sensed trouble. Once I couldn’t walk, I recognized it was a fracture, not a sprain. Though disappointing, I’m happy for two more years to play. I still feel our squad can win.”
The Cougars are 14-0 and 8th in the NJ.com Top 20. Cherry Hill East is prepared for their Olympic American Conference game against Rancocas Valley without Young.
Coach Allen has started senior Ryan Olson. Backups Aiden Sarpong and Noah Johnson should also get more time. Allen noted that matching Young’s drive, playmaking abilities, and intensity on both ends is difficult. His tremendous presence will be missed.”
Young’s limited high school experience has left an impression. He was named All-Group 4 third-team as a freshman, scoring 15.8 points per game and helped the Cougars record 26-4 and reach the South Jersey Group 4 championship. On December 22, he scored a career-high 44 points against Hightstown and has scored double digits in 35 of his 42 games. Cherry Hill East has benefited from Young’s 736 career points.
After this surprise setback, the squad will focus on unity and perseverance. Although losing a high scorer is difficult, Cherry Hill East has the depth and resolve to continue its great season. The local community and fans are attentively observing how the club handles this difficult moment.
Sources:
- Official statements from Cherry Hill East basketball coach Dave Allen
- Player interviews from Cherry Hill East’s post-game comments
