Warrior Run’s Sheesley Too Much For Bucks In Consolation Game
By Bees O’Brien
FARWELL, PA- Bucktail was hoping to pick up a victory in their season opening tip-off tournament. Warrior Run’s Mason Sheesley had other ideas.
The 3A Defenders’ guard lit up the Bucks for 34 points, including 10 three point baskets as Bucktail dropped their second game in as many days 77-43.
Sheesley went a perfect 5 for 5 in the first half from beyond the arc.
Bucktail got in an early 10-4 hole early in the first quarter, which prompted head coach Gene Bruno to use a time out. The Bucks stayed with the PHAC school the remainder of the quarter as both squads netted 8 points each. Warrior Run’s early lead gave them the 18-12 advantage after one quarter.
It was more of the same in the second quarter for the Defenders. More three point baskets from Sheesley and a 13-4 advantage had Warrior Run holding a 31-16 lead at the break.
The Defenders lived up to their name as they held Braylon Fantaski scoreless in the first half. Fantaski lit up St. Joseph’s Academy for 27 points the previous night.
The Bucks were also without guard Brett Mason for the second straight night due to illness. The lack of depth at guard began to show as the game wore on.
Fantaski finally found his groove in the third quarter by dropping in three straight three-point baskets, but it was too little too late for the much smaller Bucks. Warrior Run featured a 6’7” freshman in Aiden McKee, who dominated the paint both nights and was named defensive MVP of the tournament.
The Bucks found themselves down 60-35 after three quarters following a 29-19 Warrior Run advantage.
The highlight of the fourth quarter was freshman Nate Steele’s jumper for his first varsity points late in the quarter. The Defenders used a 17-8 advantage to set the final.
Sheesley’s 34 points led all scorers and was a tournament best. His two night effort of 55 points earned him Offensive MVP.
Brody Pentz led the Bucks with 13 points and 8 rebounds. Fantaski finished with 12 points and his two night effort was good enough to earn him All-Tournament honors. He joined Sheesley, St. Joseph’s Charlie Yartz, Rowan Gorsuch and Zach Kagariser of Williamsburg.
Tanner Pettingill of Bucktail received the Jack Hanobic Hustle Award and St. Joseph’s Michael Lower was named tournament MVP following his team’s victory over Williamsburg in the championship game.
Bucktail also dropped the consolation JV contest. Williamsburg downed Bucktail 54-41. Talan Ditty led the Bucks with 16 points. Warrior Run captured the JV title by defeating St. Joseph’s in the finals.
Bucktail’s Monday home contest at Northern Potter has been moved to Wednesday and now is a road game for the Bucks as they will make the long trip north to Ulysses to meet the District 9 opponent.
Warrior Run 18 13 29 17 77
Bucktail
BUCKTAIL
Pentz 6 1-3 13, Pettingill 3 2-4 8, Fantaski 4 0-0 12, W. Steele 2 0-0 6, Friese 1 0-0 2, Green 0 0-0 0, Whipp 0 0-0 0, Charcalla 0 0-0 0, N. Steele 1 0-0 2, Shearer 0 0-0 0, Burger 0 0-0 0,
TOTALS 17 3-7 43,
3PT FG- 6 (Fantaski 4, Steele 2) Rebounds- 17 (Pentz 8) Steals- 4 (Pentz 2)Assists- 7 (Pentz 3) Blocks- 4 (Fantaski 2, Pentz 2)
