Boys Bball deafets Muncy in opener

By: Ed Weaver  /  December 8, 2012

The Wellsboro boys basketball team picked up a season opening 67-54 win over Muncy. The Hornets controlled the tempo for most of the first half and built up an early lead, but the Indians were able to pull with one point to trail 17-16 to start the second quarter.

"I was really happy with the way the kids started off," said head coach Todd Outman. "We started out a little shaky, but were able to build a nice lead before Muncy built up their tempo and got to within a few points."

The Hornets played a better second quarter and built up a 9 point lead with just under 3 minutes remaining in the half.

"We got a little shell-shocked when Muncy caught up to us, but the kids turned up the defense a little more and we were able to pull away."

The Hornets never looked back in the second half as they stretched their lead at times between 9 to 11 points before picking up the 13 point victory.

"Tonight's game showed how fast we can be," said Senior Guard Jordan Jackson. "Our objective this year is to be a running team and push the ball against other area teams.

"We have a positive outlook for the season going forward but need to improve in our rebounding," concluded Jackson.

Jackson was the game's second-leading scorer with 17 points, only to be topped by Junior Joey Doganiero who led the team with 19. Wellsboro's third leading scorer was Junior Dylan Prough with 13 and a game-high 12 rebounds.

"We got in some tight situations and struggled a bit but were able to overcome them tonight," said Prough. "We're going to play our buts off and be more physical to get to where we want to be, which is contending for a District championship."

Rouding out the rest of the scoring for the Hornets were Senior Matt Reese with 7 points, Sophomore Michael Pietropola with 4, Senior Isiaha Williams with 2, and Sophomore Kieron Smethers with 5.

The Hornets will now face tournament host South Williamsport Saturday night in a rematch of the first round of District IV playoffs, which South Williamport won 49-31.