Williamsport and Loyalsock deliver a classic as the Millionaires pull away for 71-68 overtime win

By BRETT R. CROSSLEY
For the Loyalsock Lancers
WILLIAMSPORT—It was likely the biggest crowd Lycoming College’s Lamade Gymnasium saw all year as Williamsport and Loyalsock got together for what is becoming an annual tradition for the area.
The two teams delivered a triller as a late push by Williamsport helped it erase a double-digit lead, send the game into overtime, and pull away for a 71-68 win over the Lancers.
Marcus Simmons finished with 24 points, Al-Tamar Jason dropped another 20, and Darryl Wilson added 16 points for the Millionaires, who trailed for almost the entire game until a 37-point outburst through the final two quarters put them into position to tie the game late.
Simmons held the ball for nearly a minute as Williamsport shuffled players through Loyalsock’s zone. Simmons appeared to get the matchup he wanted, but a misunderstanding by the official gave Williamsport a timeout with four seconds left in the game. Williamsport coach Allen Taylor told his player to attack, but the official granted him a timeout, causing the timing of the play to go off track.
“We had exactly what we wanted,” Taylor said. “We got the matchup we wanted, the floor was spread, and I said ‘let’s go’. The official then gave me a timeout. Marcus was looking at me, because he wanted to know when I wanted him to go.”
The fourth quarter saw both teams exchange baskets with the biggest players doing most of the damage. Gerald Ross, just a few days removed from a sickness that caused him to miss a game, was sensational. He scored eight of his 13 points. He also blocked a shot and pulled down a rebound.
Anthony Pastore, who led Loyalsock with 18 points, scored 11 points over the final two quarters. Pastore helped Loyalsock get off to a quick start, scoring the first five points of the game for the Lancers.
“Hopefully the experience we had today against a well coached, fast and strong team will help with the rest of our schedule,” Loyalsock coach Ron “CI” Insinger said. “I told the boys that we won’t see a team of this caliber until playoff time. Although we lost the game, I was pleased overall with their composure and performance. If we continue to play at this level we will win some games.”
Once in overtime, Williamsport pulled away thanks to Simmons, who gave his team a quick lead with a three. Hunter Webb, who finished with four rebounds and a block, scored on a tough shot under the basket and then made the ensuing free throw for a three-point play, but it wasn’t enough as Williamsport outscored Loyalsock 11-8 over the final four minutes.

Williamsport 71, Loyalsock 68
Williamsport (71)
Ahmir Ellzy 0 0-0 0; Nassir Jones 01-4 1; Keith Jason 0 2-2 2; Marcus Simmons 9 2-4 24; Ethan B. Williams 1 0-0 3; Al-Tamar Jason 9 2-3 20; Darryl Wilson 5 4-5 16; Eric Smith 1 3-5 5; Tyler McCann 0 0-0 0. Totals 25 14-23 71
Loyalsock (68)
Brandon Bauman 0 0-0 0; Gerald Ross 5 2-2 13; Collin Graver 3 0-0 8; Anthony Pastore 5 8-12 18; Connor Watkins 3 2-3 9; Mitchell Klingerman 4 2-3 12; Bam Brima 1 0-2 2; Hunter Webb 1 2-3 4; Aiden Gair 0 2-2 2. Totals 22 18-27 68.
Williamsport 12 11 23 14 11–71
Loyalsock 19 11 16 14 8–68
3–Point Goals: Williamsport 7 (Simmons 4, Williams, Wilson 2). Loyalsock 6 (Ross, Graver 2, Watkins, Klingerman 2).
Records: Williamsport 9-6. Loyalsock 11-4.
Next: Williamsport at Central Dauphin East, Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. Mifflinburg at Loyalsock, Monday, 7:30 p.m.
JV Score: 65-29 Williamsport
High scorers: Williamsport: Ellzy, 16. Loyalsock: Watkins, 10.