By Levi Cressler
The Northern Polar Bears gave the Shippensburg their best effort Tuesday night, but the Greyhounds pulled away late with a 60-46 victory. In the second meeting between the two clubs in six days, the Polar Bears came out of the locker room with plenty of energy and tons of effort in trying to play the spoiler role.
The first half saw the Greyhounds struggle at times with turnovers and errant passes versus the tightly packed Northern York zone defense. Northern, who averages 43 points per game on the season, had five three point field goals in the second quarter and saw their lead stretch to as big as ten points. The Greyhounds never wavered, even as they struggled to find points. Shippensburg’s pressure defense was able to force some turnovers which led to some uncontested transition baskets. Then it what could only be described as the most exciting 10 seconds of the evening, senior guards Zach French and Jayden Statum traded three point field goals. First, French made a three pointer from in front of the Greyhound bench. “Jt was all over French on that shot,” according to Greyhound coach Ray Staver. Then Statum responded by banking in a three pointer as the buzzer sounded and the Shippensburg faithful erupted with cheers as the home team headed to the locker room with a 26-26 tie.
The Polar Bears held a 38-33 lead halfway through the third period, due to a series of pull up jump shots by senior guard Andrew Gingrich. However, in true Shippensburg fashion the Greyhounds responded. The defensive intensity seemed to rise another level and as the third quarter buzzer sounded the Greyhounds had just finished off a 9-0 run, getting buckets from Statum, Jeremy Thomas, and a three point play from Tyler Hall.
Shippensburg stretched its lead in the fourth quarter as Northern was forced to begin extending its defense. First the Polar Bears applied more pressure in their 2-3, which allowed Statum to find more open lanes to get into the paint to find teammates for a series of short buckets. When forced to go to a full court press the Greyhounds showed their experience. Shippensburg inbounded the basketball and in a mere seconds Carter Funk earned himself a layup as the Greyhound guards broke the press with precision.
The Greyhounds who completed their 7th game in 12 days were the team who had all the energy late in the game. “I think we probably wore them down a little bit,” said Staver. Northern started the game making seven of their first nine three point field goals, but did not make one in the final twelve minutes of the game. When asked about the difference between the two halves Coach Staver had this to offer, “We weren’t real strong with the ball in the first half or getting loose balls. That changed in the second half.”
The Greyhounds now head to Waynesboro Friday night hoping to extend its 14 game win streak. Shippensburg won the first matchup 63-54 on January 22nd. “We know it’s going to be a war and it certainly won’t be easy.” said Staver. Waynesboro is coming off a 69-46 victory of their own Tuesday night. “If you are a fan of good basketball then you should probably make the trip to Waynesboro Friday night,” added Staver.
Friday’s game will be carried on www.midpennbroadcasting.com with the game scheduled for a 7:30 tip off.
Shippensburg (60)
Statum 8 3-4 22, Weller 0 2-5 2, Funk 3 1-1 7, Thomas 7 4-8 18, Muhaluk 3 2-2 8, Hall 1 1-1 3.
Totals: 22 14-22 60
Northern York (46)
Delafield 2 0-0 5, Moyer 2 0-0 5, French 3 2-2 11, Gingrich 6 0-0 14, Weaver 2 1-1 5, Isenburg 3 0-0 6.
Totals: 18 3-3 46
Shippensburg 10 16 16 18- 60
Northern York 9 17 14 6- 46
Three Point Field Goals: Shippensburg 2 (Statum 2). Northern York 7 (French 3, Gingrich 2, Delafield 1, Moyer 1)