Madonna Defeats Valley in OVAC Semi-Final

With a berth in the OVAC championship game on the line, Madonna (11-7) used double figure scoring from four players on their home court to oust (11-7) Valley from the tournament in a Class1A semi-final matchup on Tuesday night in Wierton.

The Blue Dons were led by Anthony Mascio with 15 points, followed by Luke Amaismaier, Joe Littleton and Luca Muzzi with 14 markers each.

The contest was back and forth with Valley hanging tough most of the game behind a game high 16 points from sophomore point guard Gavin Derby, while senior guard Patrick Higgenbotham hit for 14, and Landon Jerico knocked in 10. The Lumberjacks were hot from outside as Derby and Higgenbotham each had three baskets from beyond the arc, and Jerico added a pair of 3ás as well.

Madonna took control in the last eight minutes to get the win with Amaismaier hitting a pair of 3ás and Mascio adding one from long distance.

Also scoring for the visiting Lumberjacks was Dallas Preat and Briggs Anderson with four points each, and Trevor Stackpole with two.

The Blue Dons hit 24 shots from the floor, including four 3’s and went 10-16 from the free throw on their way to the win. Valley canned 16 field goals, including eight 3’s and went 10-11 from the charity stripe.

Trinity Tops Lumberjacks

Valley put up a good fight on the home floor on Friday night against Tinity high school, but the visitors led by a game high 30 points from Carter Hartsock gained a 77- 54 victory. Trinity took a 19-16 first quarter lead and extended the close game to 33-28 at the half, with Hartsock getting 15 points at the break. The third quarter told the story as Trinity went to work and outscored the home team 21-9 to go into the final eight minutes up 17 points. Valley fought back in the fourth frame behind 12 points from Gavin Derby to score 17 points, but it wasn’t enough as Trinity knocked in 21 to get the win.

Leading the Lumberjacks was Derby with 27 points, including five 3-pointers and 4-5 from the free throw line. He was backed by Dallas Preat with eight points, Patrick Higgenbotham with six, Trevor Stackpole with six, both for 3-point land. Landon Jerico nailed a three, while Briggs Anderson and Chris Kennedy each ended with two.

Valley hit 18 shots from the floor, including nine 3-pointers, and made 9-14 free throws. Trinity hit 30 shots from the floor, including eight three’s and went 7-9 from the charity stripe.