Trojans Mery Rule Wellsboro In Regular Season Home Finale

By: Ed Weaver  /  February 7, 2024  /  Photo: Lance Larcom/ntwsportsreport.com

A 25-point 3rd quarter by Troy led to a 66-36 Mercy Rule victory over Wellsboro in the Hornets' final home game of the 2023-24 season in front of a packed gym on Tuesday, February 6.

Junior Mitchel Lechler put up the Hornets' first six points and gave Wellsboro an early 6-5 lead over the Trojans, who edged Wellsboro 13-10 in the opening quarter. However, things started slipping away in the 2nd. Troy held Wellsboro to just two field goals before the half as they outscored the Hornets 17-8 to widen their lead to 30-18.

In the 3rd, Troy heated up from behind the three-point arch, hitting 5 of their 10 for the game as the 2nd half started, to put the game firmly in their control. As the 4th quarter started the Hornets faced a 55-30 deficit.

Senior Hayes Campbell led Wellsboro with 9 points and 6 rebounds while Lechler and sophomores Luke Rothermel and Marek Mascho finished with 6 points apiece. Senior Caden Smith added 5, and senior Ian Hoose and sophomore Jonathan Carl rounded out the scoring with 2 points each. Smith added 5 assists, and Rothermel and Mascho grabbed 4 rebounds each.

Colin Loveland led all scorers with 17 points on the evening. Jack Burbage (12) and Evan Woodward (11) were also in double figures for Troy.

Troy swept the evening, winning the JV game 38-33, snapping a seven-game streak by the Hornets. Carl led Wellsboro with 10 points while freshman Colin Fletcher pitched in 9 points.

The loss drops Wellsboro to 12-6 (10-5 NTL Large School Division). The team travels to Wyalusing Thursday.