Opening salvos

Richard A Ross
Posted 8/21/12

WALLENPAUPACK PA and SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — Within the confines of area gyms, you can already feel the electrifying pulse of the new basketball season. Given the intensity of the sport, which …

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Opening salvos

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WALLENPAUPACK PA and SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — Within the confines of area gyms, you can already feel the electrifying pulse of the new basketball season. Given the intensity of the sport, which provides riveting non-stop action and compelling drama, it is no wonder that year after year the start of the new hoops season generates such fervor.

Getting early season experience and hopefully some wins can set the stage for successful runs that can lead to sectional contention and perhaps post-season glory. For the Monticello Panthers, under the savvy tutelage of Coach Christopher Russo, that journey began with a pair of victories in the Lake Region Tip Off Classic staged at Wallenpaupack High School on December 6 and 7. This “over the river and through the woods” adventure has been part of the Monties’ schedule for years, and it is always a daunting task. There is no shot clock in Pennsylvania, which makes for a different style of play. With victories over East Stroudsburg North (52-48) and Lackawanna Trail High School (63-57), the Monties (2-0) reclaimed the tourney title last held by them in 2010, a year that saw a title repeat in what was then known as the Hawley Rotary Tip Off Classic. In the championship game tournament, MVP senior Devin Williams scored 20 points and posted 10 rebounds. Senior Sha-Shawn Drayton netted 19 points and added 19 rebounds. Mentor Gashi was named to the All-Tournament team. In the opening round, the Panthers were led by Williams’ 25-point output augmented by 11 rebounds. Drayton had 12 points and 15 rebounds as they triumphed over an athletic and quick Timberwolves squad. More details of the tournament can be found at www.sportsinsightsny.com and photos are on display at www.sportsinsights.smugmug.com.

In other local boys action, the Sullivan West Bulldogs outlasted a quick Tri-Valley team in the opening round of the Walton Tip Off Tournament by the score of 58-54. The Bulldogs were paced by senior Noah Bauer, who fired in a sextet of treys to abet the cause. Tri-Valley was led by senior Justin Swarthout, who just returned from a torn MCL injury incurred against Sullivan West in football. Both teams lost in the second round. Sullivan West (1-1) fell to Stamford 62-48 in the championship game. Ronj Padu had 16 points and was named to the All-Tournament team. Meanwhile Tri-Valley (0-2) lost a close one to Walton by the score of 70-67. The Liberty girls (3-0) completed a non-league season sweep over Sullivan West with a 31-27 win. Karisa Yoli posted ten points to lead the Lady Indians. The Lady Bulldogs hurt their cause by going 0-for-8 from the free throw line. The Section IX Class D defending champion Eldred Lady Yellow Jackets opened their season with an impressive 49-42 win Section IX defending Class C champion Tri-Valley. Kelsey Collins paced Eldred with 16 points, eight rebounds and seven blocks. Jordan Lepes added 14 points for the Lady Yellow Jackets (1-0) who faced Sullivan West (1-2) at home on December 8. Tri-Valley (0-1) was led by 12 points apiece from Caroline Martin and Sandra Alemany. The Sullivan West Gridiron Club staged a dinner for the Division Champion Bulldogs on December 7. Coach Ron Bauer announced the designation of Section IX’s All-Stars. Andrew Stabbert and Anthony Rydell were named to the Section IX All-Section Team as well as to the Class C All-Stars. Joining them on the Class C All-Star team were Sean Hart and Tyler Davis. Honorable mention was accorded to Kevin Hart, Brian Stauch, Richard Shevak, Ronj Padu, Kevin Puerschner and Austin Melchick. For albums of photos visit www.sportsinsights.smugmug.com.

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