Hornets Rally With Big 2nd Quarter To Edge South Williamsport

By: Ed Weaver / February 17, 2024

Trailing by 10 points after the opening quarter, the Wellsboro Varsity Boys Basketball team produced a 26-point 2nd quarter to rally and hang on for a 56-51 win over South Williamsport on Friday, February 16, in their regular season finale.

The Hornets had a slot start, hitting just one field goal and a three foul shots, as they trailed 15-5. Wellsboro's offense woke up in the 2nd quarter and produced 26 points.

"We just opened up the offense some, we told the boys, in the huddle at the quarter, that they needed to be willing to shoot the open threes when they got good looks," head coach Ron Doughtie aid. "When the guards started knocking them down with confidence, it started to open things up inside some for our bigs to go to work. It was nice to see contributions from so many players. Four guys in double digits goes a long way."

Wellsboro hit 10 shots in the quarter, including five three-pointers. South Williamsport still scored 17 points before the half, however the Hornets' efforts made it a one-point, 32-31, game as the first half ended. In the 3rd quarter the Mounties outscored Wellsboro 13-8, increasing their lead to 45-39, but the Hornets would control the final eight minutes.

The Hornets' defense allowed just two field goals by South Williamsport, coupled with a pair of foul shots for just six points. Wellsboro produced 17 points in the quarter to score their final win of the regular season.

Four Hornets finished in double-digits on the offensive side of the ball, led by junior Mitchel Lechler's 15 points. Sophomore Luke Rothermel added 12 points, and seniors Caden Smith and Hayes Campbell finished with 11 points each. Sophomore Marek Mascho chipped in six points and senior Ian Hoose rounded out the scoring with one point (1-for-2 from the foul line).

Campbell recorded his 10th career double-double, grabbing 10 rebounds while adding a pair of assists. Smith added 4 boards and 5 assists, Rothermel came up a rebound shy of a double-double, Mascho made 3 assists and 2 steals, and Lechler added 3 boards and blocked a shot.

Wellsboro swept the evening, winning the JV game 39-27 to close out their season with a 17-4 record. Sophomore Jonathan Carl led the Hornets with 11 points while junior Lucas Cuneo chipped in with 9 points and freshman Gideon Lawton added 7 points.

Wellsboro finishes the regular season at 14-8 (10-6 NTL Large School Division). Currently the Hornets are the 6th seed in the District IV Class 3A playoffs and will take on #3 seed South Columbia at a date and time next week. Official District IV playoff brackets will be released tomorrow afternoon.