Bucktail boys look poised for another run at District 4 playoffs
By Bees O’Brien
FARWELL, PA- Redemption is possibly what head coach Gene Bruno’s Bucktail Bucks boys basketball program will be looking for this season. The underdog Bucks took it to heavily favored Northumberland Christian on the road in their District 4 quarterfinal contest last season. The Bucks failed to score a single point in the game’s final quarter and Norry Christian managed to avoid the upset and advance.
That was last year. Gone are Dylan Cross and Zack Pick, but Bucktail returns enough experience and a lot of offense to compete in the extremely tough Mid Penn Conference.
Braylon Fantaski and Brody Pentz both return and are probably both on pace to eventually become 1,000-point scorers at Bucktail. Both of whom would rather see Bucktail reach heights they haven’t seen in a long time. Advancing in the playoffs would be goal number two, making the playoffs will be first and foremost.
It’s a brutal schedule that includes PIAA 1A runner-up St. John Neumann and 2A power Muncy. Don’t sleep on the likes of South Williamsport, Montgomery, CMVT, pesky Austin and playoff qualifiers Millville either.
The Bucks open their schedule with a tough outing at their annual Bucktail Tip-Off Tournament on Friday with St. Joseph’s Academy. St. Joe’s downed the Bucks at the event a year ago and both teams finished with 7-14 records. Bucktail will then meet District 6 powerhouse Williamsburg or 3A Warrior Run the following night depending on how night number one goes.
The Bucks will be home again the following Monday evening as they host Northern Potter out of District 9.
Other nonconference games include the annual trip to the CMVT Christmas Tournament on Dec. 27 and 28, and a pair of games against Austin on Feb. 15 and then a “Pink Out” battle with Galeton on Feb. 15. Their first conference game is slated for a De. 12 trip to Benton.
Fantaski was Bucktail’s leading scorer a season ago and Pentz wasn’t far behind him. These two will be huge for the Bucks and their playoff push.
Look for returning starter Will Steele and key returning guard Brett Mason to contribute out front all season long. Mason came on strong towards the end of last season before suffering a season-ending injury in a Saturday afternoon home contest against South Williamsport.
Tanner Pettengill and Kyler Friese are expected to command the paint for the Bucks. Pettingill saw plenty of action a season ago, while Friese sat out last season and is a welcomed addition for this season under the basket.
Reserves Johnny Green and Gary Whipp are also expected to give the Bucks valuable minutes. Both have long range capabilities and saw plenty of varsity time a season ago.
The Bucks season begins Friday night at 7:30 vs St. Joseph’s Academy. Saturday’s game will depend on the outcome of their semifinal game. 4 p.m. will be the time for the consolation contest and 5:30 is the time slated for the championship game.
The tip-off tournament also includes a JV tournament, which is unique to this event. The Bucktail JV unit will play at 3 p.m. against St. Joseph’s followed by the Williamsburg vs. Warrior Run JV semifinal. JV games for the second day are set to begin at 1 p.m. for the consolation and 2:30 for the championship.
