MECHANICSBURG — Greencastle-Antrim faced a very difficult task in the semifinals of the Mid Penn Conference boys basketball semifinals.

Brady Kagarise

The Colonial Division champion Blue Devils took on Central Dauphin, winners of the Commonwealth, in a game at Mechanicsburg on Tuesday night, with only one day’s rest.

And the result was an 83-59 win for the Rams (19-4), who are ranked No. 1 in Class 6A in District 3.

Greencastle (18-5) fell behind by a score of 39-18 by halftime. In the third quarter, CD pushed the lead to  more than 20 points, but the Blue Devils hit a bit of a hot streak and pulled to within 61-45.

But the Rams then put all of its starters back in the game and used a batch of turnovers to quickly  stretch the lead back to 75-48.

Central Dauphin’s quickness and a sticky press caused problems for G-A.

For the Blue Devils, Dez Holman and Landen Swain each produced 13 points, and Ryan Schick added 12. Also, Alex Albright netted 9 points and Brady Kagarise contributed a career-high 7.

The Rams got 22 points from Jared Dolimpio and 19 from Shakur Starling, while Jelani Easter and Kahlid Roberts added 14.

Greencastle, currently ranked No 7, will next play in the District 3 Class 5A playoffs, which begin Monday, likely with a home game. Pairings will be released on Thursday.

Central Dauphin 83, Greencastle 59
CENTRAL DAUPHIN
Jelani Easter 5 3-4 14, Jared Dolimpio 10 0-0 22, Jaxson Davenport 1 0-0 3, Kahlil Roberts 6 2-3 14, Shakur Starling 8 2-2 19, Shyheim Starling 1 0-0 2, Johnny Shiery 1 1-1 3, Cash Ritter 2 0-0 6. Totals 34 8-10 83.
GREENCASTLE
Dez Holman 6 101 13, Alex Albright 2 3-6 9, Landen Swain 5 0-1 13, Bryce Davidson 0 0-0 0, Camden Eby 0 0-0 0, Ryan Schick 5 0-0 12, Zane Oberholzer 0 0-0 0, Brady Kagarise 3 1-2 7, Jex McDowell 0 0-0 0, Cooper Green 1 3-3 5. Totals 25 9-14 59.
Central Dauphin      18     21     22     22     —     83
Greencastle                 7     11     23     18     —     59
3-point shots — CD 6 (Dolimpio 2, Ritter 2, Easter, Davenport); GA 9 (Swain 3, Holman 2, Albright 2, Schick 2).