Tyrone Junior High Basketball teams went on the road last week visiting a pair of conference foes meeting the Raiders of Bellefonte Wednesday and Central’s Dragons Friday.
The Eagles jumped on the Raiders early in several full court defenses forcing numerous turnovers leading to a first quarter lead 16-8. However, the Eagles turned the ball over as well and kept the Raiders in the contest leading at the break 28-21.
The Eagles kept the full court pressure on most of the second half.
“We have been struggling offensively, especially in our half court sets,” said Coach Stever, “and are trying to pick up the tempo of the game and score more in transition. Unfortunately, we are turning the ball over as much as our opponent.”
With three minutes remaining, the Eagles had their slimmest lead of the game, 33-31, but after an 11-0 run, led by Rich Stever, who had a game-high 18 points, and Jim Ferguson’s defensive burst, the Eagle’s put the game away 45-36. Steve Franco and Richard Crabtree had solid efforts as well contributing nine and eight points each.
Tyrone’s younger squad continued its success, defeating Bellefonte 41-28. Led by the solid nucleus of Steve Franco, JD Dorminy, Kaleb Chronister, Cody Dickson, Nick Patton, and Charles Wilson, the Eagles are dominating their contests with overwhelming full court defense scoring at will in transition and are 4-0 for the season to date.
At Central, the Dragons hosted the Eagles at their Middle School gymnasium, reminiscent of the old gym at Tyrone’s Lincoln School. The Dragons utilized the narrow court for a first half advantage taking a half time lead of 15-7.
“They stretched out in a 1-3-1 full court zone defense and forced us into some first half turnovers,” said Coach Stever. “After the half, we adjusted our game plan and our kids out played them in the second half.”
In the second half, the Eagles played their own 1-3-1 zone defense and stifled the Dragons offense and got back in the game finally tying at 21-21. But, the Eagles could not convert in the last minute and went down on the scoreboard 25-21, in this game. “We were winners in every way today except for the score, said Stever. “I am so proud of our team and their effort.”
The Eagles had 8 field goals in the contest, 2 more than the Dragons, and were 4 of 7 from the free throw line; to 10 of 24 for Central. Rich Stever led Tyrone with 8 points followed by Richard Crabtree with 5, and Jimmy Ferguson with 4.
Tyrone’s B team squeaked out a nail bitter by a score of 25-23 led by JD Dorminy with 11, and Nick Patton with 9 points.
