MS boys bball deals Mansfield their first loss

By: Ed Weaver  /  April 3, 2012

The Wellsboro Middle School boys basketball knocked off undefeated Mansfield on two last second foul shots to win 34-32. The Hornets overcame foul trouble from the start of the game from two key players, Tony Cooper and Joe Allen, to hold on for their fourth straight victory.

Both Cooper and Allen picked up two quick fouls each in the first quarter and were forced to sit for much of the first half. The Hornets took a 20-17 lead going into the half without the two, however. Once the second half started, Cooper and Allen again picked up two quick fouls and were forced to sit down again. Again, the Hornets were able to keep pace with Mansfield until the fourth quarter.

Trailing by two points late in the game, Allen made a crucial steal and finished a tough layup while getting fouled to tie the score up at 32-32. Allen missed the one-and-one, but the Hornets were able to get the ball back with about 20 seconds remaining in the contest.

On Wellsboro's following possession Allen stalled for the last shot before getting fouled on a pull-up jumper. With four seconds remaining, Allen stepped up and knocked down both foul shots to give Wellsboro the 34-32 victory.

"It felt great to win a tight game against a good team," said head coach Dan Marple. "Dawson Prough did a great job of keeping the game under control."

Prough led the team with 24 points and shot an impressive 8-14 in the first half. Joe Allen finished with 6 and Jake Singer and Nick Tremper each chipped in with 2 points.

In the B-Team game, Wellsboro finished the season strong with a 19-8 win. Brandon Bower and Bryon Callahan each had 6 points while Brandon Lamphier chipped in with 4.

The team will be back in action next weekend for the inaugural NTL Middle School Tournament in Williamson. Stay tuned to WellsboroAthletics.com for more information on who the Hornets will face.