Bucktail’s home playoff quest marches on following 73-47 downing of Millville 

By Bees O’Brien

FARWELL- With just over two weeks remaining in the regular season, Bucktail’s boys basketball team has played themselves into uncharted waters for a Bucks’ basketball team.

The Bucks currently hold the fourth and final home quarterfinal spot in the upcoming PIAA District IV 1A playoffs.

Bucktail entered their Mid Penn Conference cross divisional meeting with Millville trailing Benton by a very slim margin. The Bucks would take advantage of a Millville team that has struggled during 2023-24, losing 12 straight contest entering Wednesday night.

The Bucks showed just how dangerous they can be right from the start. Bucktail’s 16-10 first quarter was followed by a huge and deciding 26-5 second quarter gave the Bucks a 42-15 lead at the break.

Senior Brett Mason stepped up big time for a Bucktail team that entered the contest with the Quakers down two starters. Mason would net 9 of his season-high 21 points in the closing minutes of the first half.

Bucktail would then put the game into the mercy rule and cruise to a big home win.

Brody Pentz led Bucktail with 27 points. Pentz also collected 12 rebounds and had 10 steals. He finished the game just one assist shy of a quadruple double.

Gavin Pick netted 9 points and Gary Whipp added 8 points to go with Mason’s 21 and Pentz’s triple double.

Millville was led by Tommy Kraintz’s 19 points and Shane Johnson’s 17 point effort.

The Bucks, now 7-7 hold slim leads on Benton (6-8), Lourdes Regional (7-10) and defending district champions Sullivan County (6-9) for the final home court playoff spot.

Bucktail will get a chance to extend their lead on Benton tonight in Farwell. Last week the Tigers downed the Bucks in Benton.