Wildcats Pick Up 57-55 OT Win at Shik

SUNBURY – In a mixed up week of postponements and uncertain scheduling, the Wildcat boys’ basketball team picked up a hard-fought 57-55 overtime win at Shikellamy.

Both teams were slow to find their range in the first quarter with the Braves edging Central Mountain 8-7 in the first quarter. The pace of the game picked up in the second quarter with Shik holding on to a 22-19 halftime lead.

The second half opened with the same intensity, this tie it was the Wildcats inching back into contention with a 18-16 third quarter effort to close the Brave’s lead to 38-37.

The ‘Cats managed to stay just ahead of Shikellamy in the fourth quarter, 16-15 to knot the score 53-53 after regulation play. The Braves had the opportunity for a late win when a shot missed the mark before the buzzer.

In overtime the scoring came at a premium with Shik only able to muster one bucket. It was Collin Jones converting a pair of free throws and Conner Soo drained a field goal to give the ‘Cats the 57-55 win.

“Really proud of our guys grinding for this win,” said CM head coach Tyler Bardo, Their effort was great at both ends. You could see conscious efforts to make improvements with each possession. They earned this one,” Bardo explained.

Jones finished the night with 24 points and 20 rebounds. Zane Probst dropped in 11 points for CM while Conner Soo scored 9 points and 5 boards. Aiden Major had 5 points while Tanner Lavelle and Jake Skrtich had 3 points each and JT Pentz scored 2.

*** UPDATE *** Jones’ 20 rebounds has been confirmed as a new Central Mountain single game record. That effort breaks the standard by Joe Walker that has stood for 18 years.

The win moves Central Mountain to 4-11 on the season, 4-6 in the PHAC.

The Wildcats are currently scheduled to play their make-up game with Lewisburg on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019 pending any decisions to postpone the game due to the frigid weather forecast.