BRETT R. CROSSLEY/FOR THE LOYALSOCK LANCERS

Loyalsock’s Anthony Pastore gets ready to shoot a free throw during the State College Christmas Tournament.

 

BRETT R. CROSSLEY/FOR THE LOYALSOCK LANCERS

Loyalsock’s Brandyn Bauman takes a shot against Germantown during the State College Christmas Tournament.

 

BRETT R. CROSSLEY/FOR THE LOYALSOCK LANCERS

After pulling down a rebound, Loyalsock’s Connor Watkins puts a shot back up during a State College Christmas Tournament game against Germantown Academy.

 

BRETT R. CROSSLEY/FOR THE LOYALSOCK LANCERS

Loyalsock’s Mitchell Klingerman takes a difficult shot against Germantown during the State College Christmas Tournament.

 

BRETT R. CROSSLEY/FOR THE LOYALSOCK LANCERS

Loyalsock’s Anthony Pastore cuts through a crowd of defenders to put up a difficult layup against Owen J. Roberts during the Consolation Game of the State College Christmas Tournament.

 

BRETT R. CROSSLEY/FOR THE LOYALSOCK LANCERS

Loyalsock’s Gerald Ross dribbles the ball down the baseline for a quick look underneath the basket during a State College Christmas Tournament game against Owen J. Roberts.

 

BRETT R. CROSSLEY/FOR THE LOYALSOCK LANCERS

Loyalsock’s Hunter Webb heads back down court after a Lancer’s basket from Gerald Ross. Webb finished the consolation game of the State College Christmas Tournament with six rebounds.

 

BRETT R. CROSSLEY/FOR THE LOYALSOCK LANCERS

Mitchell Klingerman stands with his parents after receiving the Most Valuable Person award prior to Loyalsock’s consolation game against Owen J. Roberts.

By BRETT R. CROSSLEY

For the Loyalsock Lancers

STATE COLLEGE—Loyalsock’s players, coaches, and fans knew heading into the State College Christmas Tournament it was going to be a tough set of games.

Loyalsock entered as the smallest school of the tournament in terms of classification as Owen J. Roberts, State College, and Germantown Academy filled out the bracket. The smaller size seemed to matter little to Loyalsock as it entered with a perfect 6-0 mark.

The Lancers competed tough throughout both games, but came away empty handed, suffering the first two losses of the season. Loyalsock dropped its opening game against Germantown Academy, 56-52. In the second game, Loyalsock finished with mixed results as it posted a two-point third quarter, but managed a small rally to fall 56-45 to Owen J. Roberts.

“We’ll turn a negative into a positive,” Loyalsock coach Ron “CI” Insinger said. “We could have got into tournaments closer to home and with teams our size. We might have even won it, but that doesn’t prove anything. We have to go against faster, stronger kids and be challenged.”

Loyalsock (6-2) was certainly challenged throughout the two-day tournament. In the end, the Lancers might have recorded its first two defeats for the season, but a lot was gained against the quality opponents.

Mitchell Klingerman continued to produce, building on a strong start to the season after being named MVP of the Tip-off Tournament. Klingerman scored 16 points through two games on his way to being named his team’s “Most Valuable Person”.

As for the games, Loyalsock opened a little flat against Germantown Academy, scoring just 26 points through the first two quarters. Loyalsock struggled throughout the second half, making just four shots from the floor in the third quarter as Germantown Academy built a lead it would hold the rest of the way.

“We come up to this tournament and we’re clicking on all cylinders and it’s like we almost ran out of gas at moments,” Insinger said. “I’m frustrated. I’m disappointed. I’m certainly disenchanted with the outcome of this tournament, but we’ll get some leverage out of this. We’ll have some good practices and hopefully this will springboard us into the new year.”

After falling to Germantown Academy (4-6), Loyalsock took on Owen J. Roberts (6-3) in the consolation game of the tournament. It was a contest filled with highs and lows, with the final breaking point costing the Lancers the game.

Throughout the first half the Lancers appeared to be getting back to form. Gerald Ross finished with 13 points, Anthony Pastore excelled through the second quarter for six points, and Connor Watkins added four rebounds to go with four points. Once the third quarter started everything changed as the Lancers were held to a season low two points over the eight-minute stretch.

“We’ll be fine,” Insinger said. “There were moments when they just didn’t execute. It frustrates me, but we’ll get through it.”

Ross, Loyalsock’s leading scorer, finished the tournament with 28 points through both games. Watkins posted 17 and continued to be a rebounding force, finishing the tournament with a combined 13.

Loyalsock will head to Central Columbia next Wednesday to take on the Blue Jays in the hopes of reversing it current two-game slide.

“Central is a very tough place for Lancers to play,” Insinger said. “It’s a snake pit for us. It will be a challenge, but I have good feelings. We are ready for the PHAC.”

 

Owen J. Roberts 56, Loyalsock 45

SOCK 11 14 2 16—45

OJR 15 13 15 13—56

Loyalsock (45)

Brandyn Bauman 0 1-4 1; Gerald Ross 7 0-1 15; Collin Graver 0 0-0 0; Anthony Pastore 3 4-6 10; Connor Watkins 2 3-4 7; Mitchell Klingerman 2 0-1 5; Bam Brima 0 0-0 0; Hunter Webb 0 0-0 0; Aiden Gair 2 0-0 5. Totals 16 8-16 45.

OJR (56)

Sean Praweckyj 2 0-0 4; Marcus Martin 0 0-0 0; Shyheed May 7 2-4 18; Ryan Sayers 3 4-4 13; Nick Massa 3 2-3 10; Dawson Stuart 2 1-2 5; Sa’Vaughn Davidheiser 2 0-0 4; Justin Bailey 1 0-0 2. Totals 20 9-13 56.

3—Point Goals: Loyalsock 3 (Ross, Klingerman, Gair). OJR 7 (May 2, Sayers 3, Massa 2).

Records: Loyalsock 6-2. Owen J. Roberts 6-3.

Next: Loyalsock at Central Columbia, Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. Owen J. Roberts at Methacton, Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.

By BRETT R. CROSSLEY

For the Loyalsock Lancers

MIFFLINBURG—Loyalsock entered its game against Mifflinburg missing three key pieces of their team.

In the absence of the one starter and two key members of the bench, Loyalsock had players step up to fill the void to fight off a strong fourth quarter push by the Wildcats to win 73-64. It was the second consecutive loss for Mifflinburg, which falls to 2-3 on the season.

A slow start put the Wildcats on the heels early as Loyalsock overcame an early six-point deficit to take the opening quarter 20-12. The Wildcats continued to adjust, limiting Loyalsock’s fast break points, but finally giving way to Loyalsock’s speed at the end.

“The fourth was a little different from the first, because we stressed coming into the game that we had to eliminate or as least limit their fast break points,” Mifflinburg coach Andre Roupp said. “We gave a lot of fast break and transition points to them and we did not take care of the ball.”

Bam Brima finished with four points, but found his place with the defense as Hunter Webb was one of Loyalsock’s missing players. Brima added 10 rebounds to his totals. He also played an outstanding game defensively, changing shot directions and collecting missed attempts.

“With Webb going out I wanted to be a little better than I was the last game,” Brima said. “I tried extra hard in practice and worked on the little things.”

It was Brima’s big chance for the Lancers. He’s entered as a sub throughout the early portions of the season, but had a chance to give significant minutes to the Lancers against Mifflinburg.

“I feel blessed,” Brima said of the chance. “I just wanted to do my best for the team.”

Mifflinburg ended the game with 13 turnovers, but did manage to have a strong showing in the fourth to pull within five points of tying the game.

A string of technical fouls opened the fourth quarter. It also opened the door for Mifflinburg. Tanner Stoltzfus took all four of the free throws awarded from Loyalsock’s technicals. He made each free throw to cut into Loyalsock’s advantage. The Wildcats were awarded nine free throws in the final quarter. They converted seven over the stretch after hitting just two in the previous three quarters.

Stoltzfus was outstanding for the Wildcats. He played a tough game inside the paint. He was outsized underneath against Loyalsock’s Connor Watkins and Brima, who combined to pull down 23 rebounds for the Lancers.

Despite the size disadvantage for Stoltzfus, he showed little fear going into the paint, helping the Wildcats offensively with 17 points.

Jordan Tyson led all Wildcats scorers with 20 points and much like Stoltzfus, he showed little to no fear driving into the paint to create contact or easy layups. Tyson drained three free throws and added seven points from the floor as the Wildcats attempted to make their comeback in the fourth quarter.

A big reason for the Wildcats success down the stretch was their ability to stop Loyalsock’s Gerald Ross.

“He’s a guy who can knock them down from the outside or beat you with dribble penetration,” Roupp said. “We wanted to step up and try to eliminate both of those options for him.”

Ross, after leading the Lancers to a big win over Milton, scored just five points over the final two quarters.

“He will have big nights for us,” Loyalsock coach Ron Insinger said. “Tonight, was not one of those nights, but we had other people step up. It was nice to see.”

Watkins finished with 22 points to lead all scorers. Ross finished with 11 and Anthony Pastore chipped in another 14 for Loyalsock.

 

Loyalsock 73, Mifflinburg 64

SOCK 20 16 18 19—73

MIFF 12 16 14 23—64

Loyalsock (73)

Gerald Ross 4 3-3 11; Collin Graver 0 0-0 0; Anthony Pastore 6 0-0 14; Connor Watkins 9 4-9 22; Mitchell Klingerman 5 1-1 13; Bam Brima 2 0-0 4; Aidan Gair 2 5-6 9. Totals 28 13-19 73.

Mifflinburg (64)

Jordan Tyson 8 3-4 20; Logan Mensch 1 0-0 3; Levi Yoder 5 0-0 11; Adam Mcardle-Coe 3 0-2 6; Seth Kline 0 0-1 1; Tanner Stoltzfus 6 5-9 17; Austin Raymer 3 0-0 6. Totals 26 9-16 64.

3—Point Goals: Loyalsock 4 (Pastore 2, Klingerman 2). Mifflinburg 3 (Tyson, Mensch, Yoder)

Records: Loyalsock 5-0 (2-0). Mifflinburg 2-3 (0-2)

Next: Loyalsock at Southern Columbia, today, 7:30 p.m. Selinsgrove at Mifflinburg, Jan. 3, 7:30 p.m.

JV Score: 88-48, Mifflinburg.

High Scorers: Loyalsock: Rees Watkins, 15. Mifflinburg: Isaiah Valentine, 18.

BRETT R. CROSSLEY/FOR THE LOYALSOCK LANCERS

Loyalsock’s Anthony Pastore drives through the paint for a layup during a league game against Milton. Pastore finished with 11 points to help lead the Lancers to a 65-46 win over the Black Panthers.

 

BRETT R. CROSSLEY/FOR THE LOYALSOCK LANCERS

Loyalsock’s Anthonly Pastore makes a nifty move on a defender to force a layup during the final quarter of a game against Milton. Pastore finished with two rebounds and 11 points in the 65-46 win over Milton.

 

BRETT R. CROSSLEY/FOR THE LOYALSOCK LANCERS

Loyalsock’s Connor Watkins looks for an open player during a second quarter inbounds attempt against Milton.

 

BRETT R. CROSSLEY/FOR THE LOYALSOCK LANCERS

Loyalsock’s Gerald Ross goes in for a layup during the third quarter of a game against Milton. Ross scored 16 of his game-high 25 points in the third quarter as the Lancers outscored Milton 25-2 over the stretch.

 

BRETT R. CROSSLEY/FOR THE LOYALSOCK LANCERS

Loyalsock’s Mitchell Klingerman goes in for a layup after a steal during the second quarter against Milton. Klingerman played another outstanding game for the Lancers, finishing with 16 points in the win.

 

By BRETT R. CROSSLEY

For the Loyalsock Lancers

MILTON—There’s something about the third quarter for the Loyalsock’s Boys Basketball team.

It has been a quarter where the Lancers have clamped down defensively and excelled offensively to gain separation in all three of their wins. Tuesday night, as Loyalsock opened league play, the Lancers were up to their usual tricks as a dominant third quarter resulted in a 65-46 win over Milton.

“We come out thinking we lost the first half,” Mitchell Klingerman, who finished with 16 points, said. “We step it up in the third quarter.”

Klingerman scored five points and pulled down three rebounds in the third quarter, Anthony Pastore added four points and a rebound, but Nobody had a bigger third than Gerald Ross, who finished the game with a team-high 25 points.

At the start of the third quarter, Ross was slashed as he attempted a layup. He made the shot and was sent to the line. He quickly buried the free throw for a five-point lead and the Lancers never really looked back.

Ross made a second shot and free throw later in the quarter, pulled down three rebounds over the stretch, and led a 25-2 run through the first quarter of the second half.

“We are starting to be notorious for not starting off with our best,” Ross said. “At halftime the coaches go over the game plan. We adjust and come out with some firepower.”

The firepower, at least from an offensively standpoint came from Ross, who only missed two shots over the eight-minute run. He worked inside and outside, driving into the paint for layups and foul shots, but also pulled back for mid-range jumpers. Ross also grabbed a few rebounds.

As Ross led the Lancers offensively through one of their most dominant quarters of the season, the defense stopped Milton cold. The Black Panthers posted a combined 27 points throughout the first two quarters. Loyalsock only led by five at the half, but a strong defensive effort changed that in the third.

The Lancers forced four turnovers in the quarter and outrebounded the Panthers for second and third looks offensively.

“There was a period when I wasn’t really happy with the rebounding,” Loyalsock coach Ron “CI” Insinger said. “Gerald Ross didn’t have a rebound at halftime and he has the highest vertical in the gym, but he came out strong in the second half made up for it.”

Ross finished with five rebounds, Collin Graver finished with four and a block, Klingerman posted nine, and Hunter Webb added eight to go with two steals. Anthony Pastore even added two rebounds.

 

Loyalsock 65, Milton 46

SOCK 16 16 25 8—65

MIL 12 15 2 14—46

Loyalsock (65)

Gerald Ross 11 2-2 25; Collin Graver 3 0-0 6; Anthony Pastore 5 1-2 11; Connor Watkins 2 3-4 7; Mitchell Klingerman 6 0-0 16; Bam Brima 0 0-2 0; Hunter Webb 0 0-1 0; Aiden Gair 1 0-0 2. Totals 28 6-11 65.

Milton (46)

Malachi Mosley 0 0-0 0; Eric Counsil 2 1-2 7; Francisco Manzano 4 9-10 17; Jalil Garrison 1 0-1 2; Qamar Bradley 0 3-4 3; Colton Loreman 0 0-2 0; Quaylin Rice 4 2-3 10; Brandon Felton 3 0-0 7. Totals 14 15-23 46.

3—Point Goals: Loyalsock 5 (Ross, Klingerman 4). Milton 3 (Counsil 2, Felton).

Records: Loyalsock 4-0. Milton 0-5.

Next: Loyalsock at Mifflinburg, Friday, 7:30 p.m Northwest Township at Milton, Decembers, 28, 7:30 p.m.

JV Score: 65-64, Milton.

High Scorers: Loyalsock: Tyler Herwig, 21. Milton: Qamar Bradley, 24.

BRETT R. CROSSLEY/FOR THE LOYALSOCK LANCERS

Loyalsock’s Anthony Pastore drives the basket for a quick two points against Hughesville. Pastore scored nine points in the second quarter to help the Lancer defeat Hughesville, 58-40.

 

BRETT R. CROSSLEY/FOR THE LOYALSOCK LANCERS

Loyalsock’s Bam Brima attempts a layup after making a steal and driving the length of the court. Brima played an outstanding game defensively as the Lancer limited Hughesville to just 12 first half points.

 

BRETT R. CROSSLEY/FOR THE LOYALSOCK LANCERS

Loyalsock’s Hunter Webb attempt to grab a rebound during a game against Hughesville. Webb finished with seven points and led a strong defensive effort for the Lancers.

By BRETT R. CROSSLEY

For the Loyalsock Lancers

HUGHESVILLE—It’s always a tough environment when Loyalsock hits the road and heads to the Hughesville for a basketball game.

The Hughesville fans are always fired up, but the students always seem to rise a cut above even that. Throughout the warmups the students did not disappoint, counting every missed shot the Lancers took.

The final count got to 47, but once the game started those misses were far and few between as the Lancers pulled away early. The defense took care of the rest to pull out a 58-40 win over the Spartans to move to 3-0 on the season.

“We are one of those teams that feed off that kind of stuff,” Hunter Webb said. “That’s just our attitude. It’s just our mentality. We are going to come hardnosed right at you. If your fans start to get into it and go after us we’re going to show you what we have on the court and we did that tonight.”

Loyalsock received contributions from all over the court at all different times of the game. Hunter Webb and Ban Brima were outstanding defensively as the Lancers limited Hughesville to just 12 first half points.

Webb also scored seven points, pulled down five rebounds, and added a block. Brima was more of a defensive specialist as he tried to find his groove offensively. He had a nice steal in the second half and drove the length of the court, but came up short on the layup. Even with the missed shot, Brima still proved he’s going to be a force for the Lancers.

“This is a collective group of guys who enjoy playing defense,” Webb said. “That’s what’s so special about us, because we enjoy that. It sets us up to make special plays on the offensive side of the court.”

Gerald Ross opened the game strong, scoring nine points, blocking two shots and recording a steal over the first eight minutes of the game. Dating back to last weekend’s Tip-off Tournament, Ross has been outstanding for the Lancers. In the opening game of the season he sparked a second half comeback, scoring 16 of his team-high 21 points to help the Lancers open with a win. He scored nine in the team’s tournament-clinching game, but came back to drop 19 against the Spartans.

“It’s team defense,” Loyalock coach Ron “CI” Insinger said. “They are showing enthusiasm on the floor and that turns into tenacious defense on the floor.”

The second quarter of the game belonged to Anthony Pastore as he scored nine points to lead the Lancers in a 19-point effort. His biggest moment came with less than a minute ticked off the clock in the quarter. He was fouled driving for a layup, made the bucket, and then hit a free throw to give Loyalsock a 16-3 advantage.

“We started running our offense and spreading out the court,” Pastore said. “Once we do that it’s so much simpler to get to the basket.”

The third quarter was difficult for the Lancers, who were forced to weather a storm from the home team. All told the Spartans outscored the Lancers 18-10 over the stretch as the hometown crowd came to life in support.

Ross got back to form in the fourth, scoring eight more points to lead the Lancers, who outscored the Spartans 18-10 over the run.

 

Loyalsock 58, Hughesville 40

SOCK 11 19 10 18—58

Hughesville 3 9 18 10—40

Loyalsock (58)

Brandon Bauman 0 0-0 0; Gerald Ross 8 2-3 19; Collin Graver 2 0-0 6; Anthony Pastore 3 4-5 10; Connor Watkins 3 0-0 6; Mitchell Klingerman 5 0-3 10; Bam Brima 0 0-1 0; Hunter Webb 1 5-5 7; Derek Gee 0 1-2 1; Aiden Gair 0 0-0 0. Totals 22 12-19 58.

Hughesville (40)

Stephen Sheets 0 0-4 0; Patrick Rogers 0 0-0 0; Devon Bushor 4 2-2 10; Matt Myers 2 3-4 9; Taylor Mason 5 0-0 11; Isaiah Savage 1 0-0 3; Clayton Poust 1 1-2 3; Jaret Stroup 1 0-0 2; Logan Woolcok 0 0-0 0; Steve Millheim 1 0-0 2. Totals 15 6-12 40.

3—Point Goals: Hughesville 3 (Ross, Graver 2). Loyalsock 4 (Myers 2, Mason, Savage).

Records: Hughesville 0-2. Loyalsock 3-0.

Next: Hollidaysburg at Hughesville, Friday, 7:30 p.m. Loyalsock at Milton, Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.

JV Score: 77-44, Loyalsock.

High scorers: Loyalsock: Tyler Hertwig, 9. Hughesville: Steve Milheim, 9.