Hornet basketball falls to Mansfield, 58-46

By: Ed Weaver  /  January 11, 2015

The Wellsboro Varsity Boys Basketball team suffered its first NTL loss of the season as the were beaten by Mansfield, 58-46 on Saturday, January 10.

The rivalry game was intensified as both schools competed for the first annual Margaret “Peg” Berguson Memorial Trophy. The trophy is in honor of the late Mrs. Berguson, who taught Spanish at Wellsboro for 12 years before her passing in 2013. Mrs. Berguson's four sons were all members of the Mansfield Athletic Programs, including basketball, and she was always very supportive of both schools when they competed during games. Wellsboro's Kieron Smethers and Peyton Wilson along with Mansfield's Bryce Zaparzynski and Jarrod Burd organized the game and raised money from local business to purchase the trophy.

After the first quarter, Mansfield held a 13-12 lead and would extend their lead to 24-18 at the half as they outscored the Hornets 11-6. Wellsboro would bounce back early in the second half as Sophomore Brandon Lamphier hit a three-pointer to pull the Hornets within three. Senior Michael Pietropola then brought the Hornets to within a point after a three-pointer of his own. Wellsboro would eventually tie the game with 4:16 remaining in the third quarter up as Smethers hit a wide-open layup.

It was neck and neck for the remainder of the quarter, but the Hornets still trailed 38-36 after Pietropola hit a last second shot at the end of the period. Wellsboro outscored the Tigers 18-14 in the third, but Mansfield came alive with a 20 point fourth quarter to stay unbeaten in the NTL and take home the Berguson Trophy.

Pietropola led the Hornets with 23 points, giving him 949 for his career. Pietropola also grabbed 10 boards and recorded three assists and two steals. Smethers had another double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Rounding out the scoring were Lamphier with five points and Junior Dawson Prough with three points.

In the JV game, Mansfield topped Wellsboro 46-37. Freshman Collin Pietropola led the team with 11 points.

With the loss, the Hornets fall to 8-2 (3-1 NTL Division 1). The team will be back in action on Monday, January 12 as they travel to Jersey Shore.