7th-grade Chucks ride first half to win

January 3, 2013

Punxsy's Tyler Richardson helped the seventh-grade basketball team defeated DuBois Central Catholic, 33-22, on Wednesday afternoon. Richardson netted six points in the winning effort. (Photo by Chris Myers of The Punxsutawney Spirit)

PUNXSUTAWNEY — The improvement continues to be seen in the youngest of the middle school boys' basketball teams. Punxsy secured its third win of the season by riding a first-half lead to a 33-22 victory over DuBois Central Catholic on Wednesday afternoon.

"We won and showed a marked improvement, especially on the fundamentals," commented Chucks' coach Darren Sherry.

"We had a lot of contributions off the bench.  Matthew Wehrle and Brandon Matthews did great work handling the ball and passing, and Tyler Richardson did a great job rebounding. I am seeing steady improvement in practice and games from all players."

Punxsy (3-1) won the first quarter, 11-6, and claimed the second six minutes, 6-1, to open a 17-7 halftime score.

The Chucks edged out a 16-15 second-half difference over the Cardinals for the 33-22 final.

Brandon Mathews paced the offensive output with eight points. Matt Blose and Tyler Richardson were right behind him with six points apiece.

Willie Hoover chipped in four points while Kevin Constant made three of four free throw attempts.

The seventh-grade Chucks play next on Friday in a 4 p.m. affair at Clearfield.