Basketball

County teams hit the hardwood in winning style

By RICHARD A. ROSS

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY - If the first week’s performances by Sullivan County’s high school basketball teams are an augur of what is to come, this season could be a productive one for a number of the local squads on the hardwood. Here is a brief recap of early tip-off action.

Boys basketball

WALLENPAUPACK, PA —Mike Normann led the Panthers to a season-opening road win on December 1 in the Wallenpaupack tournament. Monticello was paced by Normann’s 15 points, coupled with a 14-point contribution from Omar Diaz. The Panthers defeated Western Wayne 60-24. Normann scored 11 and was named tournament MVP.

DELHI, NY - John Merchant helped to make first-year Bears coach Brian Tingley’s debut a successful one, as he poured in 19 points in the opening round of the Delhi Tournament on November 29. The Bears won the tourney title with a 58-46 victory over Walton. Tournament MVP Merchant poured in 17 points in that victory. Dustin VanLieu added 17 as well. Fred Moore had 12 points and Will Elberth posted eight. Tri-Valley jumped out to a 17-7 lead after the first quarter and answered every Walton run with a run of its own. Tri-Valley is now 2-0.

ROSCOE, NY - Jayson Harris netted five three-pointers on his way to a game-high 24 points, as Roscoe got out of the gate with a home win against Margaretville on November 29. Roscoe was scheduled to host Hancock on December 4 and host its annual tournament against Eldred and Livingston Manor on December 6 and 7.

Girls basketball

WALTON, NY - Sarah Lander’s jumper with 2.3 seconds left in the game catapulted the Lady Bulldogs to a season-opening, come-from-behind road win in a noisy gym in Walton. Sullivan West got out to an early lead, but two quick fouls on Lander reversed the game’s polarity and they got down 9-12 early. With Lander’s return, the team got back on top and led by one at the half. Walton went on a run in the fourth quarter, hitting four three-pointers and taking a 41-40 lead with under a minute to go. Walton missed the front end of a one and one and the Lady Dawgs got the rebound and missed a pair of shots. A held ball resulted in a Sullivan West possession and Lander nailed the game-winner shot.