Bucktail falls to Bethlehem Christian in state playoffs, 72-43

By Bees O’Brien

EASTON- Bucktail took to the road on Friday evening in search of their first state playoff victory since 1989, but the tough draw of District 11 Champions Bethlehem Christian was too much. The Panthers used their athleticism and speed to run away from the District IV consolation winners by a count of 72-43.

Bethlehem Christian out hustled the Bucks by outscoring them 19-7 in the first quarter, but it was a huge 28-10 second quarter that put the game out of reach for a Bucktail team that traveled 3 hours from Farwell to Easton for their PIAA 1A First Round matchup.

The Panthers used their 47-17 lead at the break to cruise the remainder of the game. A 15-11 advantage in the third quarter set the stage a final quarter that seen the Bucks take a 15-10 advantage, but the game was already out of reach.

Talan Ditty finished up a strong post season performance for the Bucks by leading his team with 12 points. Ditty added 6 rebounds and an assist to finish up his senior season.

Brody Pentz, one of Bucktail’s most decorated hoops players in program history scored 9 points, grabbed 9 rebounds and dished out 7 assists. Pentz, a 1,000-point scorer, 2024 All-State selection and a first team Mid Penn Conference selection has laid down the groundwork for his younger brother Corbin. Corbin is expected to join the Bucktail program next season after a strong showing at the junior high level.

Senior Ethan Charcalla netted 8 points, while fellow senior Gary Whipp and sophomore Gavin Pick each added 5 points. Aidan Ditty and Teagan Stone both scored 2 points in the loss.

Bucktail’s season ends with a 12-13 record following the school’s first back-to-back trips to the state playoffs.

Bethlehem Christian improved to 23-2 and will next meet the winners of Sankofa Freedom Academy and York Country Day in the round of 16.