Big third quarter lifts West Branch past Bucktail, 56-43

By Bees O’Brien

ALLPORT- Bucktail’s first varsity basketball trip to West Branch in a very long time ended up taking them a little longer than expected to finally arrive in Allport. Their bus was stopped on I-80 and delayed for a motor vehicle accident. Once emergency crews cleared the path, the Bucks were headed to meet a tough 0-3 Warrior team that was hungry.

West Branch controlled the tempo in the first half, despite a strong effort from the 1-3 Bucks.

West Branch used hustle, second chance and third chances along with 11 points from Dylan Mcgonigal to build an early 18-10 first quarter lead. 

It was the visiting Bucks turn in the second quarter. Corbin Pentz scored 11 points in the frame, part of a 16-11 Bucktail advantage that had them down just 29-26 at the break.

The Warriors unleashed a huge 23-3 run in the third quarter behind 11 more points from McGonigal, who finished with a game-high 24 points.

Trailing 52-29 entering the final quarter of play, Bucktail dominated the Warriors 14-4, but the strong third quarter from West Branch proved to be too much. The Bucks did manage to shrink the gap, but fell by a count of 56-43.

Easton Emigh joined McGonigal in double figures for the Warriors with a 13-point night. West Branch sank 7 three-pointers on the night.

Gavin Pick and Corbin Pentz led the Bucks with 15 points each. Aidan Ditty found himself in double digits with 11 points.

Bucktail (1-4) will be looking to snap their four-game losing streak on Wednesday when they host Northern Potter (2-2). This will be the Bucks’ first game against a 1A opponent this season.

Bucktail101631443

West Branch181123456

Bucktail (43)

Pick 4 6-9  15, A. Ditty 4 3-4  11, Stone 1 0-0  2, Pentz 6 2-3  15, Mansfield 0 0-0  0, J Ditty 0 0-0  0, Charcalla 0 0-0  0, TOTALS 15 11-16  43

3FG- 2 (Pick, Pentz)