Hornets complete perfect NTL West season

By: Ed Weaver  /  February 16, 2013

The Wellsboro Varsity boys basketball team finished a perfect season in the NTL West as they defeated North Penn on Senior Night, 82-37.

The Panthers were no match for the Hornets, who played in front of the home crowd for the final game of the season. Wellsboro scored early and often as they jumped out to a 26-5 lead after the first quarter and never looked back to complete their perfect league season.

The game was the final home game for Senior captains Matt Reese and Jordan Jackson. Jackson, one of four Hornets in double figures, had 16 points on the night while Reese had numerous assits and 6 points.

"Tonight brought back a lot of memories from the games we've had here," Reese said. "I give the credit to our fans who come every night to watch us play and I'm going to miss playing in front of the home crowd."

"I feel kinda up and down," Jackson said after his final game. "It's sad that its the last time I'll be in this uniform in this gym in front of this crazy crowd with our awesome fans, but it was a great win for us. I had a great time to be able to share this moment with Matt."

Junior Joey Doganiero and Sophomore Michael Pietropola each had 17 points, many from beyond the three-point arch, to lead the Hornets in scoring on the night. Junior Dylan Prough contributed 10 points and Junior Kyler Widows added 4 points and Sophomore Kieron Smethers and Freshman Dawson Prough each had 6 points to round out the scoring on the night.

"Tonight's win demonstrates this groups committment and willingness to do how much we ask of them," said head coach Todd Outman. "The coaching staff had a goal three years ago to build a great program and we've done that. I don't take credit for it, all the credit goes to the kids for making us a success."

With the win, the Hornets end the regular season at 21-1 (10-0 NTL West) and will await their seeding for District IV playoffs.

"We're really exicted for the first round game," Reese said. "Depending on who we get we might get to see Canton, Mount Carmel, or Line Mountain, but we're focused and ready to go."

In the JV game, Wellsboro held on to win 35-30 to finish 15-6 for coach Chase Kriner. Dawson Prough led the team with 10 points, Sophomore Jake Mitchell had 9 points, and Sophomore Nick Marple scored 8 in the win.

WellsboroAthletics.com would like to congratulate the boys team on their perfect NTL West season.