Wildcat boys topple Raiders, 72-51, in season opener

BELLEFONTE, PA – It was a rematch of last season’s District 6 title game where Central Mountain edged Bellefonte for the title. But Friday’s rematch in the Raider gym was not as tension filled as the Wildcats won by a 72-51 count.

Central Mountain shared the ball early and often Friday night, assisting on 15 of their 26 made FG. The 2022-2023 season began with the Red Raiders and Wildcats trading shots as players enjoyed the atmosphere of being back on the court. After a tie at 8 apiece, the Wildcats opened a small lead, 14-8. Hunter Hoy put in a driving lay-up at the buzzer to give the Cats a 22-16 lead after one.

In the second quarter, Central Mountain tightened up defensively, holding Bellefonte to just 8 points in the frame. The Wildcats opened their lead to 14 at the half, posting a 16-point total in the 2nd.

No let down coming out of the locker room as Central Mountain attacked the rim once again and dropped in another 16 points and then finished the final quarter with 18 points. In all, four Wildcats scored in double-figures: Jack Hanna (19), Hayden Pardoe (18), Hunter Hoy (13), and Essex Taylor (10). Levi Schlesinger added 7 points and 6 rebounds in the opener. Dominic Longworth, Brady Myers, and Jeremy Reese also netted points for Central Mountain.

Head coach Tyler Bardoe said, “The Wildcats played with great energy throughout which masked many of the early season miscues.” They now go back to work and prepare for a strong DuBois program coming in on Tuesday, Dec. 6

The JV team was upended 69-39 in their opener. Great ball movement wasn’t enough, but sophomore, Caleb Mahoney used it to pour in 23 points in the game. A resilient group, they’re preparing for game two.

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Central Mountain High School 22
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Bellefonte Area High School 16
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