Fantaski, Bucks rain down on Benton from beyond the arc in big 91-63 win
By Bees O’Brien
FARWELL- The last time Bucktail eclipsed the 90-point mark, their current coach was playing during his senior year during the Tom Kerstetter era. Travis Fantaskey’s Bucktail Bucks scorched the nets on Thursday night, much like his old team did in their 96-48 victory in 1996 over South Williamsport.
Times have surely changed in Pennsylvania high school boys basketball, with scores in the eighties becoming almost unheard of in modern times. District 9, with the exception of a select few Otto-Eldred scores rarely get into the forties.
The same can be said about the rest of the state. Bucktail alone won a double overtime game against Meadowbrook Christian this season by only scoring 38 points and won another game over Austin by managing just 46 points, which made their incredible outburst against Benton on Thursday night even more improbable.
The Bucks would drill 14 three-point baskets on their way to avenging last week’s loss to the Tigers in a big way. In doing so, the Bucks sent a message to the rest of the 1A field in District IV.
Benton was looking to steal another victory from the Bucks in their attempt to gain ground in the current district standings, but Bucktail’s Braylon Fantaski had other plans.
The senior, who did not play in Bucktail’s road loss at Benton last week would quickly make up for lost time.
Fantaski would find his long range often throughout the critical contest. He would sink 4 from beyond the arc in the first half alone to help Bucktail build a commanding 41-30 “Pink Out Game” lead.
Fantaski and the rest of the Bucks would continue to deliver in the second half.
Fantaski’s 5 second half three-point buckets had Bucktail rolling closer to securing a home playoff quarterfinal game.
It wasn’t just Fantaski finding his range. Brett Mason would drill 2 three-point baskets and finish with 17 points and fellow senior Johnny Green would end his shooting drought by draining a trio from down town to finish with 12 points.
For the second straight night, Bucktail’s Brody Pentz would collect a triple-doube by scoring 19 points, grabbing 11 rebounds while dishing out 12 assists.
Benton’s Graydon Beishline would match Fantaski’s game-high 36 points, but it wasn’t enough to keep up with the hot shooting Bucks.
The loss dropped Benton to 6-9 on the season, while Bucktail improved to 8-7 on the season and are now making their move towards the number 3 spot in the playoff standings, currently held by NP-Liberty (7-9).
The Bucks will next be in action against 2A powers Muncy (12-4) on Wednesday in Farwell.
