BOYS BASKETBALL

McConnellsburg 54, Windber 35.  A strong opening quarter of 21-7 by the District 5 Class 2A top ranked Spartans, that rolled into the second quarter adding six more points to the lead, solidified the game against the visiting fourth-ranked Windber Ramblers in the semi-final round game on February 20.  The Spartans went on to hold this sizeable lead to win 54-35 and advance to face Conemaugh Township in a championship rematch from March 3, 2023. 

The Spartans quickly opened with an 8-0 run from Jace Fletcher and Brayden Ramsey, prompting Windber’s first timeout.  By quarter’s end, five Spartans had scored a total of 21 points—making seven field goals (four were three-pointers)—to lead by 14, improving on their previous January 28th opening quarter performance (11-7) before winning that game 63-42.

In the second quarter, Ramsey added seven points in the team’s charge to halftime 20-up, leading 35-15, with the game essentially out of reach.  The third and fourth quarters were essentially evenly scored (19-20 Windber) as both teams settled into a steady rhythm for the best shot.  Many times, Windber would penetrate deep, to the baseline, but passed the ball back out top to start over as the Spartans threatened block from a multitude of sources including Jake Hann, Shaffer Earley, Ramsey, and Hoyt Glenn.

Ramsey led the Spartans (24-1) with 19 points, six assists, and four steals. Glenn posted his ninth double-double (and third straight)—15 points and 12 rebounds—plus five assists and five steals. Earley scored nine. The team has grabbed at least nine offensive rebounds in 34 straight games.  This is their 19th win by 19 or more points this season.

The Ramblers closed out their season with a 12-12 record and were led by Logan Serenko with 17 points, Tyler Tallyen had six, and Sean McClain with five.

MCCONNELLSBURG (54)
Glenn 7 1-2 15, Ramsey 6 3-6 19, Earley 3 1-2 9, Hann 0 0-0 0, Fletcher 3 0-0 7, Sipes 0 0-0 0, Marpoe 1 0-0 2, Washabaugh 0 2-2 2, Lang 0 0-0 0, Totals 20 7-12 54.  3-point goals = 7 (Ramsey 4, Earley 2, Fletcher).  Totals: 29 rebounds (11 off/18 def), 19 assists, 13 steals, 7 blocks, 12 turnovers, 9 fouls, 2FG% 48%, 3FG% 44%, FTM% 58%.  

WINDBER (35)

Betcher 1 0-0 3, Woodruff 1 0-0 3, Gustkey 0 0-0 0, Tallyen 3 0-0 6, L. Serenko 6 2-3 17, Krause 0 1-2 1, McClain 2 1-2 5, Totals 13 3-7 35. 3-point goals: 6 (L. Serenko 3, Betcher, McClain, Woodruff).  Totals: 11 fouls, FTM% 43%.

Windber …………….    7     8    10    10   —   35

McConnellsburg …  21    14    10      9   —   54

The D5 AA championship between McConnellsburg and Conemaugh Twp will be February 26, at UPJ, at 7:30 p.m.  This victory also means that the boys team has qualified for the PIAA Class 2A Playoffs with the first-round game on March 7.  Location depending on outcome of the championship game next week.