SV Sports catches up with Reading HS Basketball Coach Rick Perez

When rivals Reading and Wilson square off on the basketball court, it’s not always going to be pretty. “We’re not out here for the judges. We’re out here for wins. You just gotta find different ways to win. I’m proud of our young fellas that were able to slug it out,” said Red Knights’ head coach Rick Perez. Reading held off the Bulldogs 44-39 in front of about 1,800 fans in West Lawn. The Red Knights trailed 6-5 after the first quarter and went 2-of-16 from beyond the arc. They built an eleven point lead early in the fourth quarter, but Wilson got within two late. Aris Rodriguez converted four straight free throws over the last 34 seconds to ice it. The 6’5 senior guard finished with a game-high 14 points. Myles Grey added 13 and eight steals. Aidan Melograna led the Bulldogs with 11 points. Reading has won five consecutive games against Wilson. They’ll meet again on February 2nd. They’re two of several teams in Berks County that got off to fast starts this season. Berks Catholic and Fleetwood remain unbeaten. Exeter, Muhlenberg, and Hamburg have impressed Perez as well. “To see the entire county flourishing right now is exciting. I want us all to win championships, just not against us…Let’s all embrace it, let’s keep getting better, and growing together,” stated Perez. During his interview with SV Sports, Perez took time to send out prayers to Damar Hamlin. The Buffalo Bills’ safety suffered cardiac arrest during last Monday’s game at Cincinnati. Hamlin’s heartbeat was restored on the field. He has made remarkable strides in his recovery