It’s the end
of the road

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

It was nice while it lasted.
The Frankford High School boys basketball team had an outstanding year. The team won all 14 of its Public League B Division games.
Overall, the Pioneers picked up 20 wins on the year. They advanced to the quarterfinals of the Public League playoffs.
Good things indeed. But all good things must come to an end.
And so it was on March 10, when the Pioneers fell to Pennsbury, 56-50, at Northeast High School in the first round of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association’s Class AAAA playoffs.
"It was a tough game," said Frankford coach Ben Dubin. "We shot two-for-thirteen from the line, but other than that, I felt we played hard and as tough as we could."
It certainly was an intense game. And facing Pennsbury’s center, Lavoy Allen, didn’t make things any easier. The 6-foot-9 player had 19 points, 15 rebounds and eight blocks.
The Pioneers got 18 points from star forward Kenny Spotwood. Rakeem Golden-White and Edmond Gonzalez each added eight points in the loss.
"They fought until the end, and that’s all you can ask for," said Dubin. "I’m sad to see the season end."
It was a fine year for Frankford, which ended the season with a 22-5 overall record, including two playoff wins. Those 14 victories in B Division games made them the regular-season champs, thus clinching the Pioneers a spot in the PIAA state playoffs.
Their good fortune — and the season — ended with Saturday’s loss to Pennsbury.
"I’m really proud of the guys," said Dubin. "We had a great year. It was a pleasure coaching them this year."
With eight seniors on the varsity team, there are plenty of talented athletes to watch. One of them is Golden-White.
The point guard has scored more than 200 points this season, a feat that no doubt has helped his confidence level soar.
"Scoring so much gave me a big boost this season," said Golden-White. "Last year I didn’t get as many points, so it was a good improvement."
According to Dubin, it was an improvement greatly needed by the team.
"His confidence has improved, which makes a big difference," said Dubin, now in his second year as the head coach of the Pioneers’ varsity squad. "He’s always had the ability, but this year he’s come a long way. There is no doubt that he is an exceptional basketball player, but I think he needed to realize his potential. And now he is starting to."
Golden-White transferred from Prep Charter last year. In his short time with the Pioneers, he already has become one of the more dominant players on the court, and he has established close friendships with his teammates.
"The transfer was tough in the beginning because I didn’t know anyone," said Golden-White. "But as the year went on, I got closer with everyone and now we all get along great. I mean, there are ups and downs, but we’re still like a family."
A family that wins together, loses together, and continuously supports one another.
"The guys are a great team. They’re always there for each other," said Dubin. "I was feeling good about this team all season long. I knew we had a talented group of athletes."
Golden-White isn’t the only one turning heads on the basketball court. Senior Kenny Spotwood scored his 1,000th point during Saturday’s game.
"I’m so proud of him," said Dubin. "He’s grown a lot in the past four years, and it’s great to watch him constantly improve."
But now, as graduation day approaches, Spotwood and the other senior Pioneers will be saying goodbye to their alma mater.
"I’m sad to leave all this. I’m going to miss my teammates and my coaches," said Golden-White. "I’m going to miss the school, my teachers. Basically, I’m going to miss everything."
And now that the time has come to turn in his Pioneer jersey, Golden-White is looking to the future with some uncertainties. But one thing is definite.
"All I’m sure of is I want to continue playing ball," said Golden-White. "Next year I’m going to Prep School to study. But after that, who knows?"
His coach thinks Golden-White can do a lot to influence his own future.
"He’s a highly skilled basketball player," said Dubin. "He has the ability to do it all." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com