CHAMBERSBURG — A suffocating man-to-man defense employed by State College proved to be too much for Chambersburg to handle Wednesday night at CASHS Field House.

The Trojans managed only 9 points in the first half, shot 27% from the field (12-for-45) and dropped a 57-29 mercy rule game to the Little Lions in Mid Penn Commonwealth play.

Jermere Jones

“They force tough shots offensively due to their positioning and physicality,” Chambersburg coach Shawn Shreffler said.

The Trojans (10-9, 5-7 MPC) trailed just 15-9 after Sedrick Vessah scored on a putback early in the second period. But State College (17-2, 10-1 MPC) then scored the final 11 points of the first half.

And they kept the momentum in the third period, outscoring Chambersburg 20-8, with the lead growing to as many as 31 points, putting the mercy rule into effect.

As good as the Little Lions played on defense, they were equally efficient on offense. SC sank 23 of 40 shots from the field, mostly because their movement and passing set up open looks.

“They punish you when you break down defensively,” Shreffler said, “and they have a ton of weapons and share the ball really well through their execution. And they’re executing at an unbelievably high level now, as good as I’ve seen in a long time.”

Braedon Shrewsberry, son of Penn State coach Micah Shrewsberry, is averaging over 17 points per game, but didn’t even score in the first half (he had 7 in the second half). But he drew defenders to him and made plenty of excellent passes.

Isaac Dye hit three 3-pointers in the first half and led the Little Lions with 12 points, while Ryan Perks scored 11.

For Chambersburg, J.J. Kelly scored 11 points and Jermere Jones had all 7 of his in the second half.

Shreffler said, “We played much harder and were more competitive in the second half. I thought Jermere, Stan (Lozius) and Ari (Snyder) provided a really effort level.

“We’ve shown really good flashes, but not the consistency needed to beat really good teams.”

The Trojans, who have dropped seven of their last 10 games, will have to pick up a victory or two in the three games they have left in order to qualify for the District 3 playoffs. They were ranked No. 9 before Wednesday and only the top 12 qualify.

And, Chambersburg plays Friday at Altoona, next Thursday at home vs. 18-1 Waynesboro and Feb. 13 at home vs. Carlisle. Altoona and Carlisle already own wins over the Trojans.

State College 57, Chambersburg 29
STATE COLLEGE
Jahmir Urie 1 0-0 2, Finn Furmanek 3 0-0 6, Braedon Shrewsberry 3 0-0 7, Nate Price 1 0-0 2, Lake Black 2 0-2 5, Ryan Perks 5 0-0 11, Luke Torbic 1 0-0 2, Dylan Davis 1 0-0 2, Isaac Dye 3 3-5 12, Jack Morris 1 0-0 2, Kevin McKenna 2 1-2 6. Totals 23 4-9 57.
CHAMBERSBURG
Jacob Bassham 1 0-0 2, Ari Snyder 0 0-0 0, Carter Fogal 0 0-0 0, Konner Whorley 1 0-0 2, Stanley Lozius 1 0-2 3, Colton Cornwell 1 0-0 2, J.J. Kelly 4 3-3 11, Aden Swatsburg 0 0-0 0, Sedrick Vessah 1 0-0 2, Talon Brewer 0 0-0 0, Jermere Jones 3 1-3 7. Totals 12 4-8 29.
State College             13    13    20    11    —    57
Chambersburg           5      4      8     12    —    29
3-point shots — SC 7 (Dye 3, Shrewsberry, Black, Perks, McKenna); Chbg 1 (Lozius). Shooting — SC 23-40 (57.5%); Chbg 12-45 (27%). Turnovers — SC 4; Chbg 8.