Lechler's Career-High 30 Points Leads Wellsboro Past St. John Neumann

By: Ed Weaver  /  December 31, 2024  /  Photo: Brett Crossley/Northcentralpa.com

Senior Mitchel Lechler scored a career-high 30 points as the Wellsboro Varsity Boys Basketball team defeated St. John Neumann 78-59 on the road on Monday, December 30.

Lechler hit six three-pointers on the evening, besting his previous of 5 in game against Loyalsock this season, and tying him 10 other former Hornets all-time.

"The team played excellent. Everyone had good energy," head coach Ron Doughtie said. "Mitch led the way, but Jon and Luke had big nights as well. Defensively we had people helping all night. The energy and hustle from everyone really made the difference.

"Mitch did an excellent job tonight of playing  with energy," continued Doughtie. "He set the tone from the opening tip by hustling and hitting the floor."

The Hornets had a hot start offensively, outscoring Neumann 20-15 in the 1st quarter, then continued their momentum with a 18-13 2nd quarter to lead 38-28 at the half. An 18-11 3rd quarter by Wellsboro gave the Hornets some breathing room heading into the final frame as they led 56-39.

Wellsboro closed out the game with their best quarter, scoring 22 points, to Neumann's 20, to score the win.

Lechler's game-high 30 points led all scorers while junior Jonathan Carl and Luke Rothermel added 17 and 16 points, respectively. Sophomore Max Mascho pitched in 5 points, junior Marek Mascho added 4 points, and sophomore Colin Fletcher and Ethan Keane, and freshman Griffin Morral added 2 points apiece.

Rothermel finished with a double-double by grabbing 10 rebounds and adding 3 assists, Carl pulled down 9 rebounds, Marek Mascho made 8 assists and came away with 3 steals, Lechler added 7 rebounds, and Max Mascho added 5 boards and made a pair of assists.

Fletcher also contributed 3 assists and 4 rebounds.

Daiton Thompson led St. John Neumann with 17 points.

Wellsboro came away with the evening sweep as the JV team started the night with a 46-33 win over Neumann. Keane led Wellsboro with 11 points while sophomore Gideon Lawton added 10 and freshman Ransom Schultz pitched in 8 points.

The win improves the Hornets to 3-4 overall, bringing them within one game of .500. The team is back on the road on Thursday evening, as they have another non-league game against Jersey Shore.