Coming into the season, Tyrone looked hot on both sides of the court, but when the horn sounded to start the game, Tyrone just didn’t come out strong. With a healthy team coming into the game against long-time rival Huntingdon, Tyrone looked to be the favorite in this one. In the end however, it was the Bearcats winning 53-35 in the opener for Tyrone at home on Wednesday night. Perhaps a key in this contest was that Huntingdon played their third game, moving to 2-1.
Maybe a little first game “jitters” for the Golden Eagles, but Huntingdon was there on defense, constantly putting pressure on Eagle shooters and forcing several long range shots. Tyrone couldn’t get any type of rhythm going the entire game, scoring just 18 points in the first half to Huntingdon’s 21. It was an ugly half of play, but Tyrone still looked like they were the better team.
With seven turnovers in the first half, five of which came in the second quarter alone, Tyrone trailed only by three at the break. They had a sloppy first half and looked to clean it up in the second, but it was easier said than done.
Huntingdon’s relentless pressure caused Tyrone’s leading scorer, Steve Catich, to struggle getting any good looks around the perimeter. It was a frustrating night of basketball as Tyrone consistently passed the ball back and forth, but could not get any penetration on the stonewall defense of the Bearcats.
The third quarter belonged to the Bearcats as they outscored Tyrone 17-10, taking a 38-28 lead into the final quarter. Thomas Burton and Eric Burnett led the way in the third for Huntingdon, combining for nine points.
The fourth quarter wasn’t much better for Tyrone as they managed to put up only seven points to the Bearcats 15. Derek Heath brought tenacious defensive pressure the entire game, forcing guys to pick up their dribble and take bad shots. It was a frustrating night in Tyrone to start of the season, but at least it was only the first game.
Catich managed to lead the way with 11 points along with Nate Dane’s 10, but a combined 14 points between three other players. Tyrone managed to only get to the foul line eight times, and on a positive note, they hit six of them. Tyrone moves to (0-1) on the year and will play at home against Bald Eagle Area.
Huntingdon moves to (2-1) as they shocked Tyrone at home with outstanding play on defense. Eric Buza scored 19 and was the only player in double-digits for the Bearcats. Buza was a menace against Tyrone last night, controlling the tempo for the Bearcats.
Huntingdon 53 Tyrone 35
Huntingdon – Buza 7 4-7 19, Burnett 4 0-0 9, Burton 3 2-2 8, Heath 2 4-4 8, Young 2 1-2 5, Fisher 1 2-2 4. Totals 19 13-17 53.
Tyrone – Catich 5 0-0 11, Dane 5 0-0 10, Brooks 2 2-2 6, Ingle 2 2-4 6, Peterman 0 2-2 2. Totals 14 6-8 35.
Score by Quarter
Huntingdon 7 14 17 15 – 53
Tyrone 10 8 10 7 – 35
Three point goals: Huntingdon-2 (Burnett, Buza).
Tyrone-1 (Catich)
Tyrone Jayvees dropped by three in home opener
Tyrone looked great from beyond the arc hitting six trey’s, but could not hold on as they lose 50-47 in their first game.
Levi Reihart had a chance to tie the game up with no time remaining, but didn’t get the shot off in time. Reihart led Tyrone with 13 points and four three-point field goals in the loss.
Huntingdon 50 Tyrone 47
Huntingdon – Boomer 1 0-0 2, Sloan 5 4-6 15, Sellers 4 1-3 9, Gibbs 1 2-2 5, Aston 4 0-1 8, Donelson 5 1-2 11. Totals 20 8-14 50
Tyrone – Reihart 4 1-2 13, Brokenshire 4 2-3 10, Lynn 2 0-0 6, Henneman 3 0-0 6, Taylor 2 2-2 6, McKeehan 1 0-0 2, Black 1 0-0 2, Murray 1 0-0 2. Totals 18 5-7 47
Score by Quarter
Huntingdon 12 17 10 11 – 50
Tyrone 16 8 11 12 – 47
Three point goals: Huntingdon-2 (Sloan, Gibbs)
Tyrone-6 (Reihart-4, Lynn-2)
