Hornets hang on for win vs. Montoursville

By: Ed Weaver  /  December 27, 2012

The Wellsboro boys basketball team won their opening round tournament game against Montoursville Thursday night.

The Hornets jumped out to a 13-5 lead halfway through the first quarter and held a 20-13 lead at the start of the second, but soon found themselves trailing to tournament host Montoursville. The Hornets were able to bounce back and take a one point, 28-27 lead into halftime.

"We weren't executing properly," said head coach Todd Outman. "We got a big lead and relaxed for a little bit. The kids played hard tonight, but too many foolish mistakes took place and we can't have that happen.

"Montoursville is a good team and we just can't play like that," Outman stressed.

Senior Captain Matt Reese echoed Coach Outman's thoughts.

"We lacked intensity for most of the game and we picked it up when we needed to and hopefully we can play the whole game like that tomorrow night."

After halftime, the Hornets found themselves in a back and forth game, but held a two point lead at the start of the fourth quarter. The Hornets turned the pressure up in the final frame and pulled away from the hosts for the 60-52 victory.

Senior Jordan Jackson led the team with 14 points, and went 8-11 from the foul line. Sophomore Michael Pietropola was the second leading scorer with 12 points and Junior Joey Doganiero had 11. Rounding out the rest of the scoring for the Hornets were Junior Dylan Prough and Reese with 9 points each, and Sophomore Kieron Smethers with 5.

Tonight's win is Wellsboro's 8th on the season, and also the 50th career Varsity win for Coach Outman.

"No one can make this mark without the type of kids we have," said Outman. "I don't take the credit for it, the kids deserve the credit for the last three years starting out with Shawn Geiser, Jason Greenfield, and Ethan Callahan. Those kids did what was asked of them in a new system and the current group of kids are stepping up and winning games now."

WellsboroAthletics.com would like to congratulate Coach Outman on his 50th career win.

The team will be back in action Friday night in the championship game as they take on Lewisburg.