Wilson junior guard Tommy McFadden
Before the season even started, Tommy McFadden suffered an injury at practice that kept him out of Wilson's first five games. Late in the season, the junior guard had to deal with an illness. In the end, it all worked out for the best. McFadden and the Bulldogs were feeling fine as they cut the nets down at Santander Arena on Friday night. Wilson held off second-seeded Reading 54-53 for the BCIAA Championship. McFadden had a career-high 12 points as the Bulldogs claimed their third Berks County title in the last five years. They ended a 9-game losing streak to the Red Knights. "It makes it even more special...We needed revenge and this is what we wanted," McFadden told Paul Roberts of SV Sports. Reading was looking for its 26th county championship. The Red Knights led 16-15 after the first quarter and 32-31 at halftime. Wilson allowed just 21 points in the second half. Reading entered the night averaging 67 points per game. Madyx Gruber sealed the victory with a diving deflection of Weshly Rosario's backdoor pass to Nick Chapman. Gruber finished with 12 points including a go-ahead layup with 2:25 remaining. Luke Levan added two foul shots to put the fourth-seeded Bulldogs on top 54-51 with 38 seconds left. The 6'5 junior provided 12 points and 10 rebounds. Wilson earned its 12th BCIAA crown. "It feels amazing. This is what I dreamed of. This is everything I wanted," said McFadden. Yadiel Cruz, a 6'2 senior, scored a game-high 21 points for the Red Knights. More than 3,400 fans showed up to see these rivals square off. Both teams are now (17-8). The Bulldogs travel to Lancaster-Lebanon League champ Cedar Crest on Tuesday for a first round matchup in the District 3-6A playoffs. How far can Wilson go in the District 3 tournament? "All the way. All the way," replied McFadden.