Brody Pentz powers Bucktail into CMVT Tournament final

By Bees O’Brien

BLOOMSBURG- Head coach Travis Fantaskey’s Bucktail Bucks have taken a habit of keeping their fans on edge and Wednesday night’s semifinal battle in the CMVT Holiday Tournament would continue the trend. The Bucks would meet winless Weatherly and the Wreckers nearly wrecked hopes of a championship game, but Bucktail would fight off a furious second half attempt and eventually win a tough 58-53 contest.

Brody Pentz led the charge for the Bucks. Pentz had a career night by scoring 30 points and grabbing 22 rebounds for his fifth straight double-double.

Bucktail began the game in dominating fashion behind Pentz, who had already collected a double-double by halftime. He scored 16 of the Bucks’ 28 first half points. Bucktail’s 28-21 lead at the break wouldn’t be safe for long.

The Wreckers’ 17-10 third quarter run knotted things up at 38-38 heading into the fourth quarter.

Weatherly would eventually take a 41-40 lead early in the game’s final frame, but senior Braylon Fantaski came to life and scored 14 of his 16 points in the quarter. Fantaski’s efforts, which included a pair of three-point baskets and 6 free throw makes was part of a 20-15 Bucktail advantage to help send his squad to the championship game. Fantaski finished with 16 points.

Johnny Green was held to 4 points, but did grab 9 rebounds. Brett Mason grabbed 8 boards.

Weatherly fell to 0-7, while Bucktail improved to 3-3. The Bucks will more than likely meet District IV 1A leaders Meadowbrook Christian in the finals. Game time is set for 7:30pm.

Bucktail 16 12 10 20 – 58

Weatherly 10 11 17 15 – 53

Pentz 13 4-10 30, Steele 2 0-0 4, Mason 1 0-0 2, Fantaski 5 6-8 16, Green 2 0-2 4, Whipp 0 0-0 0, Pick 0 0-0 0, Shearer 1 0-0 0, TOTALS- 24 10-20 58

3FG- 2 (Fantaski 2)