By Levi Cressler

The Shippensburg Greyhounds entered Thursday night’s District 3 5A title game against Lampeter Strasburg knowing the task at hand. The Pioneers entered the night with a 27-0 record, averaging almost 9 three point field goals per contest. The number one seed out of Lancaster showed their skill as they dropped 7 first half three point field goals on their way to a 66-57 win and their first district title since 2002.

In the first quarter the Hounds muscled their way out of the gate to an early 8-5 lead. The Greyhounds got four points apiece from Jayden Statum, Graison Michaljuk, and Anthony Smith. Lampeter Strasburg got early scoring from their leading scorer, sophomore Ty Burton, but it was the surrounding cast who caught fire after a Pioneer early timeout. The Hounds held a 12-8 lead late in the opening quarter, but a last second triple by Isiah Parido that started the rally as the quarter ended with the Hounds up 12-11.

The second quarter saw Lampeter Strasburg knock down four more threes in a variety of ways. From transition jump shots to jumpers off flare screens, the Pioneer’s simply could not miss. Shippensburg went to the half down 29-20. “Parido and Wagner were both just unconscious in the first half,” said Greyhound coach Ray Staver.

After the halftime break, the Greyhounds got a bucket on it’s first possession from Smith. “ We did a great job of cutting into their lead at the start of the second half, “said Staver. A big part of that comeback was junior guard Trae Kater finding his stroke. Kater knocked down three triples of his own, as the Hounds kept chipping away at the deficit. “ Trae was huge, as he helped give us a shot to get back into the game,” added Staver.

As the clock continued to tick down in the fourth quarter, Shippensburg found itself down just five points with possession of the ball, but never got any closer. The dagger came with just over two minutest left and the score 52-46, when Burton buried a three while getting fouled. After completing the four point play the Hounds faced a ten point deficit that they couldn’t overcome.

Burton finished the game with a hard earned and game high 24 points, despite Kater’s constant defensive pressure. “ Trae is an excellent defender,” Staver commented after being asked about Burton’s 24 point night. The Greyhounds were led by Smith’s 19 point and 11 rebound effort.

“This stings because we worked really hard to get here, but we have to turn the page,” said Staver. Shippensburg will head to next weeks state tournament with an opportunity to play at least one more game. “Before districts we talked about making memories and we have done that, but I hope these kids can make a few more the next couple weeks,” added Staver.

Lampeter Strasburg 66   Shippensburg 57
LS
Vranich 1 2-4 4, Wagner 7 0-0 17, Burton 9 3-4 24, Parido 4 0-0 11, Wert 3 4-4 10. Totals 24  9-12 66.
Shippensburg
Statum 2 4-4 8, Kater 4 0-0 12, Weller 2 3-4 8, Thomas 1 2-8 4, Michaljuk 3 0-0 6, Smith 7 5-6 19. Totals 19 14-22 57.
LS   11    18    14    23—– 66
Ship 12   8      18    19——57
Three Point Shots: Shippensburg 5 (Kater 4, Weller) LS 9 ( Wagner 3, Burton 3, Parido 3)