Chucks win final six games, complete 16-4 year

March 1, 2011

Punxsy ninth-grader Tyler Young (right) looks for a teammate to pass to during a home game against DuBois in this file photo from February. (File photo by Dan Walk/The Punxsutawney Spirit)

PUNXSUTAWNEY — The Punxsy ninth-grade boys' basketball team closed the season on a six-game winning streak following a 44-23 victory over Bradford Feb. 18 to complete a 16-4 season.

Punxsy struggled during the first quarter and fell behind 7-1 entering the second. But the Chucks outscored the Owls 43-16 during the final three quarters to earn the win.

Kevin Hughes scored a team-best 10 points, and Brandon Mancuso and Matt Burkett both added six points.

The win finished off a successful final season for the team under first-year coach Brandon Krug, who is a 2002 PAHS graduate. Krug had spent the previous three years coaching ninth-grade girls' basketball in DuBois before coming back to Punxsutawney.

"Being a young coach, I was worried that the players may not take me seriously as a coach. But these guys really bought into what I had to say and really worked hard all season long," Krug said. "With continued hard work throughout the summer, I think the future is really bright for these guys."

Chucks 36, Clearfield 26

HYDE — The Chucks trailed for much of the game before dominating the final quarter to earn a 36-26 triumph Feb. 16.

Punxsy trailed 18-12 at halftime and 24-21 entering the final quarter when it put the Bisons away with a 15-2 final frame.

Clayton Dale and Kevin Hughes led Punxsy with 11 points apiece, and Brandon Mancuso had seven.

Chucks 38, Brockway 32

BROCKWAY — Punxsy controlled the middle quarters en route to a 38-32 win Feb. 14 in Brockway.

The Chucks were behind 8-7 after the first quarter before jumping ahead 28-17 entering the final stanza thanks to a 21-9 surge during the second and third quarters.

Cory Geer paced the Chucks with 10 points, and Brandon Mancuso contributed nine points.