Bucktail has comeback victory over NoPo, 59-54
By Bees O’Brien
FARWELL- For the third straight contest, the Bucktail Bucks would battle back from a double digit first half deficit. This time around the Bucks would rally behind a freshman and escape Farwell with a victory over a gutsy Northern Potter team 59-54.
Gavin Pick, who had been lightly used in head coach Travis Fantaskey’s rotation thus far would come alive right when the Bucks needed a charge. Pick would score 9 second half points, grab four rebounds and swipe 3 big fourth quarter steals enroute to the Bucks erasing a 15-point first half hole to eventually overcome the Panthers.
“He made a huge impact on the game, offensively and defensively.” said Bucktail head coach Travis Fantaskey of his freshman’s efforts. “When you put a freshman in the game you just hope he goes out there and gives you some hustle. He (Pick) went over and beyond tonight.”
It wasn’t just the Gavin Pick show on Thursday night. Junior Brody Pentz would score a game-high 22 points and grab 11 rebounds for his third straight double-double and Braylon Fantaski once again hit for double figures by scoring 13, including a pair of three-point baskets and key free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.
Brett Mason’s defense was on fire. The senior grabbed 5 of Bucktail’s incredible 20 steals on the night.
Northern Potter started out hot by jumping out to a 19-12 lead and their 16-11 second quarter would see their lead jump to 35-23 at the break.
Bucktail’s swarming defense would come into play in the third quarter. The Bucks forced turnover after turnover, which would lead to points. An 18-6 third quarter and an 18-13 fourth quarter advantage would prove to be too much for the District 9 foe.
Northern Potter was led by Nolen Smith’s 18 points and Ty Daniels added 11 points in the loss. The Panthers dropped to 3-4 on the season. Bucktail improved to 2-2 on the season and will see another District 9 team on Friday when they travel to Curwensville (3-2).
NoPo 19 16 6 13 – 54
Bucktail 12 11 18 18 – 59
Bucktail (59)
Pentz 7 8-14 22, Steele 1 0-0 2, Mason 2 1-2 6, Fantaski 3 5-6 13, Green 2 0-0 5, Whipp 0 0-0 0, Pick 4 0-1 9, Shearer 0 0-0 0, TOTALS- 19 14-23 59
3FG- 5 (Fantaski 2, Mason, Green, Pick) Rebounds- 29 (Pentz 11) Steals- 20 (Mason 5) Assists- 9 (Pentz 4) Blocks- 4 (Fantaski 2, Pick, Pentz)
