Hornets outlast Jersey Shore in Christmas Tournament

By: Ed Weaver  /  December 28, 2013

The Wellsboro Varsity boys basketball team reached the championship game of the Wellsboro Hornets Sports Booster Club Christmas Tournament with a 65-59 victory over Jersey Shore Friday night.

The Hornets opened the game with 18 first quarter points, to Jersey Shore's 8 after being down 4-2 very early. After a 26 point performance in the second quarter, the Hornets held a 39-27 lead at the half.

Jersey Shore turned up the defensive pressure and outscored Wellsboro 32-26 in the second half to close the gap. The Hornets held firm, however, and played tough down the stretch to force three Bulldogs to foul out and hang on for the opening round victory.

Junior Kieron Smethers had 21 points to lead three Hornets in double figures. Senior Joey Doganiero had 19, and Junior Michael Pietropola had 13. Senior Dylan Prough had six, Sophomore Dawson Prough finished with four points, and Junior Nick Marple rounded out the scoring with two points off the bench.

The Hornets will now take on Lewisburg, who defeated Montoursville 73-25, for the championship at 7:30 p.m.