Hornets survive scare from Troy

By: Ed Weaver  /  January 29, 2015

The Wellsboro Varsity Boys Basketball team hung on for a 51-49 NTL Division 1 victory over Troy on Wednesday, January 28.

The Hornets' turnover woes continued for the second night in a row. Wellsboro struggled with Troy, who coming into last night's game only won three games all season, and were trailing 13-10 after the end of the first quarter. Wellsboro would flip the scoring in the second quarter and would tie the game up at 23-23 at halftime.

The second half started with Wellsboro taking a slight lead over the Trojans, but Troy would battle back towards the end of the third quarter as the fourth quarter started with the score tied at 33-33.

Wellsboro again would pull away early in the fourth quarter, but Troy wouldn't quit as they found themselves trailing by two points with only seconds remaining. Troy's Brandon Mattocks, the game's high scorer with 28 points, had a look from behind the three point line to give the Trojans the upset, but the shot was off the mark and the Hornets hung on for the win.

Senior Michael Pietropola was the team's leading scorer with 20 points, 13 of which came in the second half. Pietropola also grabbed 10 rebounds for the double-double. Junior Dawson Prough, Senior Kieron Smethers, and Senior Jake Mitchell all scored six points, Freshman Nic Ingerick added five, Sophomore Brandon Lamphier and Freshman Dalton Prough each scored three, and Sophomore Alden Weiner finished with two points.

Smethers also had six blocks on the night to give him 39 for the season and 130 for his career.

Wellsboro won the JV game 53-33. Freshman Collin Pietropola led the Hornets with 16 points on the night as the team improved to 10-5 on the year.

With the win, the Hornets improve to 13-4 (5-1 NTL Division 1). The team will be back in action on Friday, January 30 as they travel to Wyalusing.