Hornets fall to Loyalsock in District title game

By: Ed Weaver  /  March 3, 2013

The Wellsboro boys basketball team competed in their first District IV Class AA title game since the 1998-99 season and came up short against Loyalsock, 57-37.

The Hornets started off the title game the same way they started their two previous playoff games by getting out to early leads, but couldn't match Lyoalsock's speed in the second half. After the first quarter, the Hornets led 15-8 and maintained 28-23 lead at the half.

Loyalsock, however, turned up the heat in the second half as they quickly surpassed the Hornets for the win. The Lancers stepped up their defensive efforts and held Wellsboro to only 9 points the entire second half.

"When you get to this level you have to play a complete game or it will come back and bite you," said head coach Todd Outman. "Loyalsock put probably the best man pressure on us that we've seen this year. I give them a lot of credit, they're a great basketball team and they took our offensive game plan away from us."

Offensively for the Hornets, Sophomore Kieron Smethers led the team with 8 points, 2 of which came on an explosive dunk over Loyalsock's Roger Wilson. Senior Jordan Jackson had 7 points, Junior Dylan Prough and Sophomore Michael Pietropola each had 6 points, and Senior Matt Reese and Junior Joey Doganiero each had 5 points.

With the loss, the Hornets fall to 23-2 overall. The loss snapped Wellsboro's 15 game win streak. The Hornets' season is not over yet, as they were one of three District 4 Class AA teams to qualify for the PIAA State playoffs. Stay tuned to WellsboroAthletics.com for more information on the remaining schedule.