Tyrone’s Junior High basketball team picked up the action following the holiday break in style with a pair of victories to kick off the New Year hosting Lewistown last Wednesday, and Indian Valley on Friday.
Lewistown’s Panthers showed up in an extended 2-1-2 zone defense and challenged the Eagle’s patience offensively. The Eagle’s did not match up well with the Panthers size but played their usual stiff man to man defense and limited their offense to 33 total points, winning a barnburner 35-33 after relinquishing an 11 point lead.
“This team is learning how to handle adversity this year,” said coach Stever. “They have been in some really close games and handle the pressure well.”
Jimmy Ferguson led the way for the Eagle’s with a game high 13, followed by Rich Stever’s eight, and Steve Franco’s seven.
Indian Valley’s Warriors would not fare as well as their cross town rivals on their visit to Tyrone as the Eagle’s pounced quickly and never took the foot off the pedal defeating the Warriors 49-24.
Again, Tyrone’s stiff man defense forced turnovers and bad shots converting some easy baskets in transition for the Eagle’s.
“The Boys are starting to see the rewards of hard work, and how defense can win games for you,” said Stever. “They have the heart to play tough man to man defense.”
Defensively the Eagle’s were led by Jimmy Ferguson’s aggressive effort and eight points offensively. Rich Stever led the scoring with 14, followed by Steve Franco with nine.
The Eagle’s are 6-3 for the season and go on the road next week visiting Philipsburg-Osceola on Tuesday and Huntingdon Friday.
Tyrone’s younger squad kept their slate perfect in the New Year as well defeating Lewistown 37-21, and Indain Valley 23-10. Kaleb Chronister, Nick Patton, Cody Dickson, Charles Wilson, and Jordan Corl continue to lead the Eagle’s to an 8-1 overall record.
