Grab's career-high leads Wellsboro past CV

By: Ed Weaver  /  January 12, 2019  /  Photo: Dr. Robert Bair

Sophomore Joseph Grab scored a career-high 25 points en route to a 67-27 NTL cross-over win against Cowanesque Valley on Friday, January 11.

Wellsboro's offense struggled in the first half but Grab kept the Hornets in front of the Indians as he outscored them 23-18. Wellsboro led 15-10 after the first quarter then poured on the offense with a 21-point second quarter, keyed by 18 points from Grab, before the half expired to lead 36-18.

Grab's 23 came on 6 three-pointers, which is tied for 2nd all-time in Wellsboro boys basketball history. Nine Hornets have reached that feat with the most recent, until Grab's 6 three's, being Michael Pietropola in 2013 against St. John Neumann.

Grab's open looks came as CV sat in a 2-3 zone for the majoity of the quarter and the Hornets reversed the basketball numerous times leaving Grab wide open.

"Joseph deserves all the credit," head coach Chase Kriner said following the game. "He puts in numerous days working on his game. He truly loves basketball and I expect games like these. I'm very proud of they way he plays in all facets of the game."

In the second half the Hornets outscored CV 31-9 while holding the Indians scoreless for the fourth quarter.

Grab's 25 led all scorers. Senior Brandyn Tuttle had 11 points, seniors Andrew Brelo and Hunter Brown scored 9 each, senior Tanner Button added 7, and senior Cam Tennis chipped in 3 points off the bench. Junior Karter Witmer added 2 points and junior Daniel Mitchell added a point late in the fourth quarter.

Button added a career-high 8 assists and 4 steals, Tuttle grabbed a team-high 9 rebounds and made 5 steals, Brelo finished with 6 rebounds and 4 steals.

Seth Huyler led CV with 10 and Skyler Vinluan finished with 8.

Wellsboro started off the night by edging CV 41-37 to improve to 6-3 and win their third straight game. Freshman Isaac Keane led Wellsboro with 14, junior Ty Morral finished with 12, and freshman Ryan Sweet added 10.

The win is the Hornets' 9th straight and improves the team to 9-2 overall and 7-0 in the NTL Large School Division. The team is back in action on Monday, January 14 on the road in Jersey Shore then returns home to host Athens on Wednesday, January 16.