Sports
NY Has Strong Final Stretch, Defeats Fed Hock 55-47
By: Michael Somrak
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When senior Jay Elliot ran down the court for a fast break lay-up to expand the Buckeyes’ lead to 48-40 late in the fourth, you could see the life slip out of the Federal Hocking players as no one ran back to defend.
That was the final spark the Nelsonville-York Buckeyes needed to secure a 1-0 start on the season, as they defeated the Lancers 55-47 Friday night.
This was not a glorious game in the eyes of the basketball gods, as both teams racked up a combined 48 fouls on the night and shot a combined 42 percent from the free-throw-line. However, coach Jay Kline and the Buckeyes came into Federal Hocking territory and got the job done.
“We were pretty nervous and maybe too high strung, “ said Kline. “But at the end of the day, when you’re on the road, first game of the season and you’re able to win… all is well.”
In a back-and-forth effort, neither team eclipsed a lead greater than eight points until late in the game.
Federal Hocking (0-1) started off the game strong building an 8-0 lead, however the Buckeyes would rally back and take the lead going into halftime 27-22. After halftime, no matter how valiant the Lancers’ effort was at attempting to regain the lead, Nelsonville-York would not crumble.
One standout player for the Buckeyes was senior Brayden Withem. The sixth man for the Buckeyes provided some big minutes for his team, as he knocked down two clutch 3-pointers late in the game to hold off any late runs Federal Hocking had in plan.
“I wanted to get on that court, bring some energy and pick my teammates up,” said Withem. “Coach just told me on offense to do what I do.”
And Withem did just that, as he totaled nine points and six rebounds on the night. Also contributing to the Nelsonville-York victory was Elliot. He finished off the night with 15 points and four rebounds.
Another crucial aspect to the Buckeyes win was keeping Lancers’ senior Jonathan Snyder in foul trouble all night. Nelsonville-York held Snyder to just five points, as he fouled out with five minutes and three seconds left in the fourth.
Leading scorer for the game tonight was Federal Hocking senior Ivan Santiago. He finished off the night with 22 points, five rebounds and three steals.
Nelsonville-York will host the Liberty Union Lions Dec. 6. With the loss Federal Hocking will host the Southern Rebels on Tuesday, December 9.