Lady Bucks knock off South in physical Senior Night battle, 39-30
By Bees O’Brien
FARWELL- Defending District IV 2A champions South Williamsport entered Farwell on Friday night fighting for their playoff lives. The Lady Mounties are a far cry from the team that advanced to the second round of the state tournament a season ago. Graduation hit South’s program hard and the devastating transfer of Lacey Kriebel to Loyalsock had a huge impact on their program and still this team could possibly find their way into the postseason.
Bucktail, meanwhile is a program heading in the opposite direction as the season draws to a close. The Lady Bucks are currently holding strong to their fourth spot in the current District IV 1A standings and a win over 2A South would boost their chances at hosting a quarterfinal playoff game.
Bucktail was looking to avenge a 47-37 loss to South at South Williamsport back in December.
South began the physical battle by slugging their way to a 7-5 lead after one quarter. The Lady Bucks would use a 9-7 second quarter to tie things up at 14 heading into halftime.
It would be the third quarter that would factor into the game’s final the most. Bucktail would close the frame on an impressive 8-0 run to gain the 26-18 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
South’s offense would get back into rhythm during the final 8 minutes of play. Their 12-point quarter would be bested by Bucktail’s 13 points to set the final.
Senior Mak Wagner scored a game-high 20 points to lead Bucktail. Kendall Wagner would collect a double-double by netting 12 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.
Senior Dezlyne Halpate would score 5 for the Lady Bucks, including Bucktail’s only three-point basket of the contest. Bucktail’s other senior Alexis Lowery would score 2 points and grab 6 rebounds in the win.
Abby Akers would lead South Williamsport with 18 points in the loss. The Lady Mounties dropped to 6-11 on the season, but still hold on to the number 6 spot in the current District IV 2A standings.
Bucktail improved to 10-8 on the season, hold on to their current 4 spot and will travel to St. John Neumann (15-4) on Tuesday.
