By Jeff Richards
On March 8th, the District 5 #1 seed McConnellsburg Spartans hosted the District 7 # 5 seed Greensburg Central Catholic (GCC) Centurions for the first round of the PIAA 2A boys’ basketball playoffs. However, eventually, GCC, a private school in the Western PA Interscholastic Athletic League 1 (and also the 2A regular season conference champion at 14-0) with a much deeper bench, proved too much for McConnellsburg, capturing a 54-43 victory.
The Spartans secured a narrow lead in the first quarter, at 11-9, and extended the advantage to four points by halftime, with a score of 23-19. In the second quarter, we achieved a seven-point unanswered run and led 18-11 at a point under four minutes remaining. Early in the third quarter the Centurions put on a seven-point unanswered run taking the lead 26-23. With two minutes remaining, the Spartans reclaimed the lead at 31-30, thanks to Dom Jefferson’s successful conversion of two free throws. GCC successfully executed a three-point shot, was fouled, and converted the free throw to regain the lead at 36-31. The third quarter concluded with an impressive leaping block by Hoyt Glenn, maintaining a close score of 38-35, yet with GCC leading and outscoring the Spartans.
In the final quarter, the Spartans were outscored two to one. Despite making some clutch and impressive fadeaway shots, McConnellsburg missed several scoring opportunities that GCC capitalized on. With under six minutes remaining, GCC led 44-35. Following a series of exchanged baskets, and with under three minutes left in the waning, critical remaining minutes, the Spartans struggled to contain the Centurions’ effective consecutive lane penetration and field goal shooting connections, resulting in GCC’s increased lead of 11 points to 52-41.
The final score of 54-43 marked a disappointing loss for the Spartans, despite a commendable team effort on offense. Hoyt Glenn emerged as the standout player, contributing 17 points, four steals, and three blocks to the game. Glenn has been on a hot streak, recording four or more steals in each of his last 12 games. Another standout was outgoing senior Dominic Jefferson, who contributed significantly with 14 points and five rebounds. GCC’s strongest defenders effectively restricted our leading scorer, Brayden Ramsey, preventing him from reaching his full potential. Resultantly, he scored only six points, significantly below his average.
The Spartans finished 25-2, including a first-of District 5 Class 2A title and esteemed ICC title to their resume. They also achieved a stupendous 24-game winning streak that included an astonishing best of 24 wins by double-digits, 18 wins by 20+ points, 13 wins by 30+ points, and 10 wins by 40+ points. In over twenty-seven games, the Spartans have amassed 1,692 season points and 63 points per game (PPG) average to 904 opponent season points and 33 PPG average.
MCCONNELLSBURG
Hoyt Glenn 4 5-8 17, Dom Jefferson 6 4-4 14, Brayden Ramsey 3 0-2 6, Shaffer Earley 1 0-0 2, Jake Hann 2 0-0 4, Totals 16 9-14 43. 3-point goals: 2 (Jefferson 2). FTM% 64%.
Team stats: Glenn 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, 3 blocks; Earley 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals; Ramsey 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 1 block; Jefferson 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block; Hann 7 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block; Washabaugh 1 rebound Totals: 31 rebounds, 13 assists, 9 steals, 6 blocks, 9 turnovers, 15 team fouls.
Greensburg 9 10 19 16 — 54
McConnellsburg 11 12 12 8 — 43