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Chucks end year one game over .500 |
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Written by Dan Walk
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Thursday, 11 March 2010 |
Punxsy's Andy Fedigan (34) and Logan Reed (23) defend a Clearfield shooter in this Feb. 17 file photo. (File photo by Dan Walk/The Punxsutawney Spirit)
BRADFORD — Though it finished with a loss, the Punxsy seventh-grade boys' basketball team finished its first junior-high season with an above-.500 record Feb. 19 in Bradford.
The Chucks completed the 2009-2010 campaign with a 9-8 mark after a 32-22 loss to the Owls.
"This group of young players has really been a lot of fun to coach this year. Every single player improved from day one to this game," Punxsy coach Mike McIntyre said. "Now, it is time for them to work on all the little things they were introduced to this season."
Punxsy struggled to score early, managing just two points during the first quarter and six points by halftime. It trailed 15-6 at the break.
"We simply did not shoot the ball very well, but our effort on defense was solid, and our passing was pretty good," McIntyre said.
During the second half, the Chucks played well, losing the final two quarters by a 17-16 margin.
Six Chucks scored, led by Dakota Thomas' six points. Ryan Sloniger, Andy Fedigan and Adam Ferko added four points apiece.
Punxsy seventh-graders 32, DuBois Central Catholic 15
DUBOIS — The Chucks didn't allow more than five points during every quarter while taking down DuBois Central Catholic Feb. 18, 32-15.
Punxsy led 18-9 at halftime before it pushed the game out of reach thanks to a 9-2 third quarter.
"This was a strong defensive game, and some good passes led to easy hoops," Punxsy coach Mike McIntyre said. "We held our composure and played through a very physical ball game."
Three Chucks scored eight points or more, led by 10-point efforts from Dakota Thomas and Andy Fedigan. Ryan Sloniger's eight-point performance included two three-pointers.
Punxsy seventh-graders 33, Clearfield 26
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Punxsy struggled during the first quarter before surrendering just five points during the second and third quarters combined en route to a 33-26 win over Clearfield Feb. 17.
The Chucks trailed 11-6 after the first frame, but pushed ahead by a 17-5 margin in the next two quarters.
"After a slow and sloppy first quarter, we played much better the rest of the game," Punxsy coach Mike McIntyre said. "The boys are learning to really pay attention to the little details on offense and defense."
Ryan Sloniger hit a three-pointer and led with 10 points. Thomas nailed a trey and had nine points.
Punxsy seventh-graders 38, Brockway 22
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The Chucks nearly scored 40 points while handing Brockway a loss Feb. 15, 38-22.
Punxsy received a 19-point effort from Dakota Thomas, who nearly outscored the Rovers by himself. Thomas nailed eight baskets, but struggled from the free-throw line, hitting just 3-of-12 foul shots.
"We played a strong offensive game," Punxsy coach Mike McIntyre said. "We ran our sets very well and got good shots."
The Chucks led 17-10 at halftime before pulling away during the second half thanks to a 10-7 third quarter and an 11-5 fourth frame.
Also scoring more than two points for Punxsy were Andy Fedigan (six points), Ryan Sloniger (four) and Brandon Blose (four).
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Last Updated ( Friday, 12 March 2010 )
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