Wolf Pack drop Bucks 93-57 in tip-off opener
By Bees O’Brien
FARWELL, PA- Bucktail began their 2022-23 season opener hot from the field Friday night against St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy but would go ice cold and squander a 10-point second quarter lead and eventually fall to the Wolf Pack 93-57.
The Bucks would take the lead 9-8 following a basket from Tanner Pettingill with four minutes remaining in the first quarter. Braylon Fantaski’s 11 first quarter points had the Bucks up 20-16 after one quarter of play.
St. Joseph’s, who had a great all-around team effort would outscore the Bucks 20-9 in the second quarter to hold a 42-29 lead at the break.
Bucktail’s Johnny Green would convert an offensive rebound and a put back to bring the Bucks to within 5 at 33-28 with 3 minutes remaining in the half. SJA would close out the half on a 10-1 run to hold the lead.
The wheels began to completely come off in the third quarter for the host Bucks. The Wolf Pack went on a 29-15 advantage in the third frame to hold the commanding 71-44 lead and would eventually send the game into the mercy rule early in the fourth quarter.
Bucktail head coach Gene Bruno would clear his bench and a 22-13 final quarter advantage for St. Joseph’s would set the final at 93-57.
Bruno’s squad shot fairly well from the field at 42 percent, but only managed to connect on 52 percent of their free throws. 18 Bucktail turnovers also were a factor in the game.
Bucktail’s Braylon Fantaski led all scorers with 27 points, including 6 three-point baskets. Brody Pentz hit double figures as well with 13 points and had a team-high 7 rebounds. Johnny Green and Tanner Pettingill each added 4 points. Will Steele scored 3 points.
St. Joseph’s was led by Michael Lawler with 17 points. Charlie Yartz added 14, Ben Eby and Nick Warner each netted 12 points.
The Bucks will now set their sights on the consolation game Saturday at 4 p.m. as they will take on Warrior Run. St. Joseph’s Academy will meet Williamsburg in the finals, a 70-59 winner over Warrior Run.
Bucktail’s JV unit also dropped their semifinal game 54-22 to St. Joseph’s. Johnny Green led Bucktail with 11 points. The JV Bucks will take on Williamsburg Saturday at 1pm.
St. Joseph’s Academy 16 21 29 22 = 93
Bucktail 20 9 15 13 = 57
BUCKTAIL 57
Fantaski 8 7-7 27, Pentz 4 5-8 13, Pettingill 2 0-3 4, Steele 1 0-2 3, Friese 0 0-0 0, Green 2 0-0 4, Whipp 0 0-0 0, Charcalla 1 0-0 2, Shearer 0 0-2 0, Kalafut 0 0-0 0, Ditty 1 0-1 2, Burger 0 0-0 0
TOTALS- 19-45 12-23 57
3pt FG- 7 (Fantaski 6, Steele) Rebounds- 19 (Pentz 7) Steals- 6 (Fantaski, Pentz, Steele, Green, Whip, Shearer) Blocks- 1 (Pettingill) Assists- 5 (Pentz 2) Turnovers-18
