Hornets defeat South Williamsport

By: Ed Weaver  /  December 9, 2012

The Wellsboro boys basketball team took home first place in the South Williamsport tournament by defeating the hosts, 71-47.

The Hornets took an early lead in the game and never looked back, as they were able to enact revenge on the team that knocked them out of the first round of last year's District IV playoffs.

"We remembered last year coming into tonight's game," said Senior Guard Matt Reese. "We thought we had a shot at winning Districts last year so it was good to beat them tonight.

"We got in a little bit of foul trouble early, but our bench stepped up and we were able to fight through it," Reese finished.

Reese and the rest of Wellsboro's starting 5 all scored in double figures. Reese contributed 12 points, while Senior Jordan Jackson led the team with 18 points on his way to being named tournament MVP. Juniors Joey Doganiero and Dylan Prough each had 10 points, Sophomore Kieron Smethers netted 10 points, Sophomore Michael Pietropola contributed 7, and Freshman Dawson Prough had 4.

Head Coach Todd Outman was also impressed with the way the team performed.

"It was good for the kids to come out and beat South tonight," remarked Outman. "Four of the kids on this year's team played in the District game, and we talked about that with them tonight."

In addition to the team's overall performance, Outman was also pleased with the way his bench contributed.

"I was real impressed with the play out of our bench," Outman said. "Michael came off the bench tonight and struggled shooting at times, but played great defense and gathered a bunch of rebounds."

In JV action, the Hornets took home third place in the tournament as they defeated Canton 37-18.

With the win, the Hornets improve to 2-0 on the season. The team will be back in action on Wednesday, December 12 as they host Sayre.