Bucks drop season finale to Montgomery, 60-43
By Bees O’Brien
MONTGOMERY- Bucktail entered their Thursday night season finale with hopes of climbing up the current District IV 1A standings. Bucktail entered the night with a 10-10 overall record and currently holding the third spot in the standings. A win over the 12-8, 2A Red Raiders would have given Bucktail a boost to second place, but following their 60-43 loss to Montgomery the Bucks could slide down the rankings to possibly fourth place. That fourth place would still be good enough to lock in a home quarterfinal contest against Lourdes Regional (6-16) or Northumberland Christian (8-8). Who the Bucks play will depend on the numbers when the District IV power points are updated, something that has not been a quick process.
Saturday night qualifications end and all results must be submitted to District IV. Without seeing all of the numbers submitted it looks as though Bucktail will hold their three spot and host Lourdes Regional. If the Bucks were to fall, they would host Northumberland Christian. Either game is being projected to be held of Tuesday in Farwell, but Monday is also an option.
Montgomery took advantages of poor Bucktail execution and built a lead of 15-12 after one quarter. The Red Raiders continued to keep pressure defense on Bucktail in the second quarter. Montgomery’s 14-10 second quarter effort expanded their lead to 29-22 at the break.
The Montgomery onslaught continued to start the second half with a 15-9 advantage in the third quarter.
Up 44-31 to start the final quarter, Montgomery milked the clock and relished in their revenge victory over a Bucktail team that defeated them earlier this season. A 16-12 final frame from the Red Raiders set the 60-43 final.
Montgomery improved to 13-8 and will travel to Northeast Bradford in the District IV 2A quarterfinals. Bucktail dropped to 10-11 and will await District IV’s bracket releases over the weekend.
Brody Pentz led Bucktail with 13 points and 12 rebounds, while Gary Whipp added 12 points in the loss.
