Hornets Move Into 2nd Place In League After Athens Win

By: Ed Weaver  /  January 22, 2023  /  Photo: Lance Larcom/ntwsportsreport.com

The Wellsboro Boys Basketball team came home from a Saturday afternoon game with a 57-48 win over Athens and sole possession of 2nd place of the NTL Large School Division standings.

"Total team win this afternoon," head coach Steve Adams said. "Cameron was a monster inside and Conner was very clutch in the fourth quarter running the offense and knocking down foul shots. Caden, Peyton, Hayes , Ian, and Watson all played well. A total team win."

The first half was neck-and-neck as the Hornets led 12-11 after the first and 19-17 at the half. The second half, however, is where the Hornets did the most damage. They were able to get the Wildcats in foul trouble on their way to a 21-9 run to open up a 40-26 lead after the third quarter. Athens came storming back in the 4th with 22 points, outscoring the Hornets, and got the lead all the way down to three. Wellsboro held on, knocking down 7-of-9 shot attempts from the free throw line, they were 11-of-14 during the game, to run the lead back up to 9 for the win.

Seniors Conner Adams and Cameron Brought both scored 17 points apiece to lead Wellsboro. Adams hit 12 in the final quarter alone, including going a perfect 6-for-6 at the charity stripe. Brought did most of his damage in the 1st quarter, scoring 10 points. He also grabbed a team-high 12 rebounds for his 8th double-double of the season.

Senior Peyton McClure also finished in double figures with 12 points. Juniors Hayes Campbell also added 8 points and 3 points, respectively.

Smith added 8 assists and 4 steals, Adams dished out 6 assists and made 2 steals, and Campbell grabbed 5 boards and made 3 steals.

Korey Miller paced Athens with 11 points.

Athens won the JV game 48-38. Freshman Aaron Kirk led Wellsboro with 15 points.

The win is the Hornets' 5th in a row, improving them to 9-4 overall and 7-1 in the NTL Large School Division. The team is back in action on Monday against North Penn-Liberty.