Loyalsock coach Ron “CI” Insinger talks with his team moments before a dramatic finish that featured a game-winning shot from Gerald Ross. Loyalsock knocked off Danville, 49-47.
By BRETT R. CROSSLEY
For the Loyalsock Lancers
DANVILLE—Just how does one follow up a history making performance in front of the hometown supporters? Well, if you’re Loyalsock’s Gerald Ross you follow it up with a dramatic game-winning shot.
As seconds ticked away late against Danville, Ross stood by the three-point line waiting for a chance. After some ball movement, Connor Watkins found Ross by the line and shot him a quick pass. The rest was up to Ross, who delivered a long three to give the Lancers a 49-47 win over Danville, avenging an early season loss.
Loyalsock, which finished the season 17-5, will head to Shikellamy Wednesday to take on No. 3 seeded Mount Carmel. The tip is set for 7:30 p.m. and will follow the opening game of the Pennsylvania Heartland Athletic Conference playoffs that features HAC I winner Central Mountain against Danville.
“It’s tough to win at Danville,” Loyalsock coach Ron “CI” Insinger said. “I call it the Danville mystic where they have the ability to hit shots at the buzzer. We didn’t want to be in the position we were in, but that’s what happens when you play here.”
Ross, fresh off of joining Loyalsock’s 1,000-point club, helped open the game with a spark, converting all four attempts from the floor and nailing another free throw to finish a three-point play. He converted another basket and free throw in the second. Those points were crucial, but Ross’s trey at the end of the game proved to be the winner.
“There were like 16 seconds left and we were down by one and I was nervous,” Ross said. “Connor (Watkins) found me and set a good screen for me to get an open look and I just shot it with confidence. I wanted the game-winning shot.”
Ross got it as Loyalsock didn’t even blink after Shane Kozick gave Danville a one-point lead. The Lancers, who still had a timeout, ran up the floor, moved the ball around and gave Ross the chance to play hero.
“To come up here and win by two feels good,” Ross said.
A big reason for Loyalsock’s late efforts being on the table came from a complete team effort to try and contain Danville’s Jordan Bickhart. In the first meeting, Bickhart torched the Lancers throughout the first half. He was contained in the second half, but still managed to hit a late three for the game-winner.
At Danville, Loyalsock used multiple players to stop Bickhart, but one that really stood out was Bam Brima, who finished with six points, two blocks, and four rebounds. He also did an outstanding job of rotating on defense to pick up Bickhart. Once on him, Brima used his length to stop Bickhart off the dribble.
“He had a good all around game for us,” Insinger said. “He had some points for us in the first half. Anytime Bam scores for us it’s a bonus. He’s out there for defensive purposes and rebounding.”
Loyalsock received an outstanding effort from the entire team as it held one of the area’s top offenses under 50 points through four quarters. The defense was good, but it was Ross who led the way offensively.
Ross finished with 21 points with seven coming over the final eight minutes. Anthony Pastore, who was one of the primary defenders on Bickhart, finished with four points, but also managed to pull down five rebounds. Mitchell Klingerman finished with eight points, eight rebounds, and a steal.
Loyalsock opened the game on a 7-0 run. Ross had five of those points as the defense clamped down on the Ironmen, who finished the first quarter with two air balls and four turnovers.
Danville took a lead in the second after Shane Kozick was fouled on a difficult attempt under the basket. Loyalsock used a run to close out the quarter to take a lead into the half, but Bickhart heated up with six of the first eight points in the second half.
Loyalsock 49, Danville 47
Loyalsock (49)
Gerald Ross 8 2-2 21; Collin Graver 0 0-0 0; Anthony Pastore 2 0-1 4; Connor Watkins 3 1-2 7; Mitchell Klingerman 3 2-2 8; Bam Brima 3 0-1 6; Aiden Adair 1 0-0 3; Ryan Sullivan 0 0-0 0. Totals 20 7-10 49.
Danville (47)
Coleman Cush 1 0-0 2; Shane Kozick 5 4-6 14; Peyton Riley 1 1-2 3; Jack Smith 0 0-0 0; Mavin James 3 1-2 7; Jordan Bickhart 6 0-0 17; Colin Holcombe 1 0-0 2; KJ Riley 0 2-2 2. Totals 17 8-12 47.
LOY 15 11 11 12–49
DAN 10 11 11 15–47
3–Point Goals: Loyalsock 1 (Ross). Danville 5 (Bickhart 5).
Records: Loyalsock 17-5 (8-2). Danville 17-4 (9-1)
Next: Mount Carmel at Loyalsock, Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. Danville at Bloomsburg, today, 7:30 p.m.
JV Score: 62-49 Danville
High scorers: Loyalsock: Hertwig, 17. Danville: Riley, 16.