Too little, too late for Bucktail in 72-59 comeback loss to Curwensville
By Bees O’Brien
FARWELL- Head coach Travis Fantaskey’s Bucktail Bucks waited just a little too long to get the ball rolling against 2A District 9 opponents Curwensville on Thursday night. The Bucks trailed by as many as 20 to the Golden Tide multiple times in the second half, but a final three-minute flurry of defensive pressure and a successful offensive barrage would cut the visitor’s lead to seven points with 1 minute remaining. The Bucks would run out of gas, as Curwensville would shoot perfect down the stretch from the line, while the Bucks struggled from the charity stripe throughout the game. Bucktail finished just 5 for 19 from the line.
District 9’s leading scorer Davis Fleming would light up the Bucks for 12 of Curwensville’s 18 first quarter points. Bucktail managed just 8 in the frame. Brett Mason would score 5 of those 8 points.
The second quarter brought more from a talented Golden Tide team. Bucktail’s Brody Pentz would hold Fleming to just 4 points in the second quarter, but 6’6” Parker Wood and speedy guard Grant Swanson would work their inside out game to help Curwensville gain a 17-9 second quarter edge and hold a 51-35 lead at the break.
Bucktail completely dominated the second half, but despite outscoring Curwensville 42-37, they were never able to complete the comeback. Swanson would match every Bucktail three-point basket down the stretch until the final 3 minutes of the game.
The Bucks finally applied full court pressure to a Golden Tide team that struggled to break the press and would commit multiple throw aways and turnovers. Curwensville would convert from the line to finally ice the game and hold off an outstanding comeback effort from Bucktail on Senior Night.
Brett Mason had a memorable Senior Night by leading the Bucks with 19 points. Brody Pentz had another huge night on the glass with 21 rebounds to go along with his 15 points. Senior Braylon Fantaski would finish with 15 points and fellow senior Johnny Green would score 6 points and grab 6 rebounds. Green played tough ball against Wood despite being outsized.
Mason, Green, Fantaski and Will Steele were all honored before the game as part of Senior Night. Renovo’s youth basketball players were also honored at halftime.
Davis Fleming’s 27 points led Curwensville, who improved to 11-11 and have qualified for District 9’s 2A playoff field.
Bucktail fell to 10-11 on the season, but can wrap up a home court quarterfinal playoff game in their upcoming road game and regular season finale at Millville Friday night.
Curwensville 18 17 16 21 = 72
Bucktail 8 9 18 24 = 59
Bucktail (59)
Pentz 5 5-16 15, Fantaski 6 0-0 15, Green 3 0-2 6, Mason 8 0-1 19, Steele 0 0-0 0, Pick 0 0-0 0, Whipp 0 0-0 0, TOTALS- 22 5-19 59
3FG- 6 (Mason 3, Fantaski 3) Rebounds- 35 (Pentz 21) Assists- 14 (Pentz 5) Steals- 13 (Pentz 7) Blocks- 2 (Mason, Green)
