Bucks Honor Florey with 56-33 Win on Senior Night

AdminFebruary 12, 2016Last Updated: February 13, 2016

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Bucktail Now Advances to D-4 Playoffs

FARWELL – It was a night to remember for Bucktail basketball, past, present and future. Three major items were covered and all three were a great success.

First, the Bucktail faithful honored and recognized their six senior members of the varsity basketball squad for their contributions to the program. Second, the entire community shared the joyous occasion to tribute an honored coach, teacher, administrator and friend by dedicating the BAHS gym to Dale Florey. Third, the Bucks marched to a 56-33 win over to CMVT to qualify for entry into the District 4 playoffs.

The Bucks opened up the game with intensity and pressure that set the tone for the entire game. That effort paid off as Bucktail jumped out to a 18-8 lead by the end of the first quarter and kept up the pace in the second quarter outscoring the RAMS 15-9 for a 33-17 lead going into the break.

That break was a little longer than usual because there was some very special business at hand to honor a legendary mentor who’s efforts are still apparent in the community by the example of the students and families lives he impacted during his tenure in Western Clinton County. Mr Florey’s wife and daughters, all residents of the Renovo area, were honored guests for the presentation that included remembrances from former students and athletes both present and in letter form. Bucktail athletic director, Jack Hanobic served as master of ceremonies.

After the dedication ceremony, the Bucks were eager to resume their momentum, which they did. Though CMVT found some inspiration of their own and attempted to hang with the hosts but were outscored by Bucktail 12-10 in the third quarter, still trailing 45-27.

In the fourth quarter the margin of victory increased with Bucktail outpacing the Rams 11-6 to reach the 56-33 final.

Even though CMVT never really threatened Bucktail on the night, head coach Dave Pentz wasn’t confident until the very end.

“I was nervous.” Pentz admitted, “I was worried about CMVT because they beat us on their home court. We didn’t play very well down there. Their big guy getting into foul trouble tonight certainly helped us.”

“We started with a lot of momentum, anxiety and the crowd was really behind us which helped a lot,” Pentz shared, “I was a little bit worried about the extended halftime. I was nervous but we handled it.”

Leading the way for Bucktail was Tristan Shelb with 17 points, Ryan Prebble scored 13 and Josh Knauff tallied 11 points. Trent Bixler added 6 points with Derrick Long, Vincent DiMattia and Mikey Casper all scored 3 points for the Bucks.

With the win the Bucks earn at least one more game for the 2015-16 season against an opponent and at a venue to be determined.

“Nobody expected us to do that,” Pentz said of making the playoffs, “We went through a drought were we lost seven games in a row. Then we bounced back and have won seven of the last nine games.”

“The goal was to make the playoffs. It doesn’t matter who we play,” Pentz commented about the playoffs, “We’re going to go and we’re going to fight until the end. The players are happy. I’m happy and the families are happy. We are going to enjoy it.”

Playing their last regular season home game for the Bucks were: Josh Knauff, Derrick Long, Vincent Mattia, Ryan Prebble, Tristan Shelb and Trent Biller.

You can watch the complete festivities including the pre-game senior night festivities, the halftime dedication and all the game action here: http://therecord-online.com/site/?p=19890