Fast Start Leads Hornets Past Athens

By: Ed Weaver  /  January 5, 2025  /  Photo: Dr. Robert Bair

The Wellsboro Boys Basketball team got off to a fast start in their 55-38 win over Athens on Saturday afternoon, January 4.

The Hornets led 20-10 after the opening quarter then edged the Wildcats 14-13 in the 2nd to lead 34-23 at the intermission.

Wellsboro held Athens to just 4 points in the 3rd quarter, while scoring 15, to increase their lead to 49-27 heading into the final frame. Athens' offense found some life in the 4th quarter as they outscored the Hornets 11-6, but Wellsboro's lead was too much for them to overcome.

Three Hornets scored in double figures on the afternoon, led by junior Luke Rothermel's 17 points. Junior Jonathan Carl and senior Mitchel Lechler added 10 points each, sophomore Ethan Keane chipped in 8 points, junior Marek Mascho scored 4 points, and sophomore Max Mascho and freshmen Ransom Schultz and Griffin Morral all contributed 2 points apiece.

Carl finished with a double-double, grabbing 11 boards and making 4 steals while Marek Mascho dished out 4 assists. Rothermel pulled down 7 rebounds and added 4 steals and 3 assists, and Keane added 5 rebounds and 3 assists.

Jase Babcock led all scorers on the afternoon with 18 points.

Wellsboro started the afternoon with a 45-31 win in the JV game, improving their record to 5-4. Keane and freshman Kody Enck both led Wellsboro with 12 points while sophomore Gideon Lawton added 9 and Schultz chipped in 8.

Wellsboro (4-5, 3-2 NTL Large School Division) is at Wyalusing on Tuesday.