BRECKENRIDGE Hemlock grabbed momentum early and never relented in its 52-20 Class C girls basketball district win over Breckenridge on Monday.

Hemlock led 16-2 after the opening eight minutes and 32-9 at halftime.

It wasnt our best offensive night, but defensively we really set the tone to start the game, said Hemlock coach Scott Neumeyer. We were able to pressure them and get them to turn it over, and at least in the first half, we shot well from the free-throw line.

At the line, Hemlock was 13 for 18 in the first half, but finished the game just 19 for 32.

Sam Krauss led Hemlock with 12 points, four steals and three assists, while Morgan Mulvaney had 11 points and four steals, Sydney Peake added eight points and eight rebounds, Natalie Hoffman contributed seven points and eight rebounds, and Olivia Watson also finished with seven points.

Kylie Federspiel led Breckenridge with nine points, but had to play through foul trouble that forced her to the bench for the whole second quarter with three fouls.

That didnt help us any, said Breckenridge coach Cory Hurt of trying to close the gap on its first-half deficit without its leading scorer. It wouldnt have changed the outcome any, but we maybe couldve kept it a little closer (with Federspiel in the game).

They just came out with good pressure on our guards tonight right from the get-go, and we couldnt get through that pressure tonight, he added.

Hemlock (17-4) advances to face Saginaw Valley Lutheran in a 6 p.m. Wednesday semifinal at Breckenridge. The teams met twice in the regular season, with Hemlock winning 63-42 at home on Dec. 16, but losing 42-35 on the road Feb. 3.

Theyve been playing very well lately, said Neumeyer, citing Valleys nine wins in its last 10 games. Hopefully we learned some lessons from our loss at their place.

Breckenridge finishes the season at 7-14.

Gladwin 58, Pinconning 49

CLARE Carly Hickey posted career highs with 24 points and 26 rebounds in leading Gladwin to a 58-49 Class B girls basketball district quarterfinal win over Pinconning on Monday.

It was a huge game for her and a huge confidence builder, Gladwin coach Emily Cot said of Hickeys performance. Shes got good size and has been demanding the ball better for us. She was dominant.

The Flying Gs led 12-8 after the first quarter and 30-15 at halftime, but the Spartans outscored Gladwin 20-12 in the third quarter to pull to within 42-35. Pinconning got as close as four in the fourth before the Gs pulled away at the end.

They started collapsing with two or three girls on (Hickey), and we struggled finding the open girl a little in the third quarter, said Cot.

Gabby Airbets added 12 points for Gladwin, while Gabriella Ries had seven points.

Next up for Gladwin (14-7) is a 7:30 p.m. Wednesday semifinal against Clare at the Pioneers gym. The teams shared the Jack Pine Conference title this year and traded home victories over each other in their two regular-season encounters.

Gladwin won the first meeting with Clare 48-33, but lost the second one 57-53.

I think we can beat Clare, theres no doubt, but weve got to make some things happen first, said Cot. We hope to be there Friday night for the district championship.

Harrison 51, Coleman 45 (OT)

BEAVERTON Colemans season came to a tough end on Monday with a 51-45 loss to Harrison in overtime of Mondays Class C girls basketball district opener.

The Comets gradually took control of the opening half, taking an 11-10 lead after the first quarter and leading 29-20 at halftime.

However, Harrison chipped away at the deficit in the second half, cutting Colemans lead to 35-30 after three quarters, and finally catching the Comets to force overtime tied at 42.

In the extra period, the Hornets outscored the Comets 9-3 to leave with the win.

It wasnt the way I wanted our season to end, said Coleman coach Nick Katzinger. We started the game out strong, but came out flat in the second half.

Senior Liz Dana, a three-year starter, had 20 points, seven rebounds and three assists to lead Coleman in her final high school game, while Jaden Berthume contributed 14 points, Megan Fettig grabbed 10 rebounds, and Faith Barden had four steals and three assists.

Coleman, which defeated Harrison 55-33 at home on Dec. 6 but lost to the Hornets 48-45 on the road Jan. 24, shot just 5 for 17 at the free-throw line in the second half.

It was just one of those nights for us in the second half, said Katzinger.

The Comets should expect to see some improvement next year behind four returning starters, said Katzinger.

We were a young team, and the underclassmen got a lot of varsity experience that I hope carries over to next year, said Katzinger.

Being a first-year coach, I learned a lot from these girls, he added. Seniors Liz Dana and Megan Fettig will be missed.

Coleman finishes the season at 9-12.

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Hemlock and Gladwin girls win district openers, Comets lose ... - Midland Daily News

In early-season softball action, the Cottey Comets dropped both games of a doubleheader in Sedalia Saturday against State Fair Community College. Cottey was edged 7-5 in the opener, and 10-4 in the nightcap.

Cottey returned to the diamond Monday for a twinbill in Springfield against Evangel University. Cottey (4-6) won the first contest 12-8, but was blanked 17-0 in the second game.

State Fair

In the opener Cottey took a lead into the late innings as starting pitcher Marisa Jervis tossed six innings of no-hit ball. After tying the game, State Fair broke out with five funs in the seventh, powered by a dramatic walk-off grand slam.

"Marisa pitched extremely well but ran out of gas at the end," Comets head coach Mark Skapin said.

For Cottey at the plate, Izzy Milligan was 2-for-4 with a pair of runs scored. Meanwhile, Lily Brockus and Hannah Bridges added home runs for the Comets.

Nightcap

State Fair rode its late game momentum into the nightcap, plating four runs in the first inning followed by a three-spot in the second to seize control.

"Wet tried to claw our way back but couldn't quite get there," Skapin said.

Milligan, who went 2-for-4 at the dish, also started in the circle, taking her first loss of the season. Bridges stayed hot at the plate, blasting her second round-tripper on the day.

Evangel contests

Jervis took the circle for the opener in Springfield, as Cottey trailed 6-1 through two innings of play. The Comets then began to mount a comeback, plating three runs in the third and two in the fourth. Evangel responded with a pair of runs in fourth to go in front 8-5.

In the fifth, Cottey tacked on two runs via base knocks from Breanna Kelley and Brockus to trim the lead to 8-7.

As the game wore on, Jervis got stronger, holding the Evangel bats in check.

A bases loaded pinch hit courtesy of Cottey's Dee Finley scored two runs in the sixth, while shifting the momentum back in the Comets favor, as they prevailed 12-8.

Bridges remained sizzling at the plate, going 3-for-3 with three RBIs, three runs scored, two steals and two walks. Milligan was 4-for-5 with four runs scored, an RBI and a stolen base; while Kelley was 3-for-5 with three RBIs.

In the 17-0 contest, Evangel led 9-0 after two innings of play, as Milligan was saddled with the loss.

The Comets are idle until March 18, when they travel to St. Louis for a Region 16 matchup with the Lady Archers. "We hope to work over spring break and return ready for the remainder of the season," Skapin said.

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Comets drop pair to State Fair, split with Evangel - Nevada Herald

Comets wrap up MASL Central Division title with 10-3 win over Cedar Rapids Kansas City Star Former Kansas City Comets coach Vlatko Andonovski greeted Vahid Assadpour with a giant bear hug and wondered, rhetorically, who called the Comets captain old in the moments following the club's regular-season finale at Silverstein Eye Centers Arena. and more »

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Comets wrap up MASL Central Division title with 10-3 win over Cedar Rapids - Kansas City Star

STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

VANCOUVER, British Columbia The Vancouver Canucks are dealing with a mumps outbreak.

The team said Friday defenseman Troy Stetcher has been diagnosed with the highly contagious virus and defensemen Chris Tanev and Nikita Tryamkin and forwards Mike Chaput and Markus Granlund have shown symptoms. The players with symptoms were immediately tested and quarantined for a five-day period or until test results prove negative.

The news affects the Utica Comets, who earned a 2-1win overWilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Friday at the Utica Memorial Auditorium. Four players were officially recalled Saturday: Comets' points leader Alex Grenier, top-scoring defenseman Jordan Subban, fellow blue liner Evan McEneny and forward Joseph LaBate. Grenier and McEneny did not play in Friday's game.

The Comets play their fifth game in seven days when they travel to take on the Binghamton Senators at 7 p.m. Saturday in a big North Division matchup. With the moves, the Comets added 26-year-old defenseman Alex Wall to a professional tryout contract.

Wall, who appeared in one game earlier this season with the Comets, has 30 points in 49 games with the Adirondack Thunder. With the addition of Wall, the Comets have 12 healthy forwards and seven healthy defensemen.

The 25-year-old Grenier (38 points in 51 games) is the Comets' franchise leader in multiple categories and has had a strong fourth season in Utica, while the 21-year-old Subban leads the team's defensemen with a career-best 13 goals with 29 points. Both have spent time on the Comets' power-play unit this season. Grenier and Subban, who were both AHL All-Star selections this season, have spent time with the Canucks this season, but have not appeared in a game.

The 22-year-old McEneny (17 points in 43 games) has been a solid presence on the blue line and trusted in all situations for Utica this season. The 24-year-old LaBate, who recently returned from an injury and spent time with the Canucks earlier this season, has two goals and nine points in 25 games with the Comets this season. LaBate has played three games with the Canucks.

McEneny was in the Canucks' lineup Saturday for his National Hockey League debut against the San Jose Sharks.

"We're taking this very seriously, given how easily mumps can spread," Canucks General Manager Jim Benning said.

The team added that vaccines are also being administered to minimize further risk of contraction, along with universal preventative hygiene measures, including disinfecting all dressing room areas.

The mumps virus is found in saliva and respiratory droplets. It is spread person to person through coughing, sneezing or coming into contact with saliva.

This isn't the first time the hockey world has been hit by the mumps. Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby was among a group of players diagnosed with the virus during the 2014-15 season.

The outbreak with the Canucks came the day public health officials and infectious disease experts urged Canadians to check that their vaccinations are up to date as clusters of mumps are investigated in Ontario and Alberta. Measles cases are also being probed in Nova Scotia. In Alberta, seven players and a coach with the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League have been hit by mumps.

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Players recalled from Comets as Canucks deal with mumps - Sports ... - Utica Observer Dispatch

Ben Birnell

UTICA Darren Archibalds strong season continued Friday.

The 27-year-old veteran forward, who has made some big plays for Utica in his sixth professional season, turned in another solid performance for the Comets against the Atlantic Divisions top team in the slumping Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

"Its nice to have bounce-back year after battling injuries the last couple of years," Archibald said.

Archibald had a highlight-worthy backhand effort in the second period and rookie Thatcher Demko stopped 27 shots to help the Comets edge the Penguins 2-1 before another announced capacity crowd of 3,870 at the Utica Memorial Auditorium.

"I was able to get some speed and past the defender and tucked in on my backhand," Archibald said of his career-best 17th goal of the season that started with a setup pass from Michael Carcone.

Jordan Subban also scored in support of Demko, who snapped a personal four-game winless streak. The Comets (21-23-7-2, 53 points), who are 4-7-2-1 in their last 14 games, have at least a point in three straight contests.

"We knew coming in, it was going to be a hard-fought game," Archibald said. "Theyre a good team. I thought we had a real strong game. I liked the way we played tonight. We stuck with it."

It was an important victory for the Comets, who were without points leader Alex Grenier and defenseman Evan McEneny because the parent Vancouver Canucks are dealing with a mumps outbreak among five players. Combined with St. Johns overtime loss to Albany on Friday, the Comets pulled within three points of the IceCaps for the fourth and final North Division playoff spot with 23 games remaining in the regular season.

"It was a big win. It was really good team effort," Comets coach Travis Green said. "Every win is big this time of the year. You dont beat teams like that unless you dont have everyone going and we had everyone going tonight."

First period

The Comets struck first to win a back-and-forth opening 20 minutes.

Utica got on the board on a nice play by Pascal Pelletier, Mike Zalewski and Subban. Just after the Comets held the Penguins (37-13-3-0; four consecutive losses) in check on their first power play, Pelletier won a puck battle near center ice and found Zalewski near the Penguins blue line. The forward broke into the zone and sent a short pass to a streaking Subban, who buried his 13th of the season high over Tristan Jarry (23 saves) from the right circle. Subban is tied for second among defensemen in goals.

Second period

The Comets continued to pressure they outshot the Penguins 15-13 and were rewarded near the middle of the period.

However, the Penguins thought they made it 1-1 less than four minutes in. Ryan Haggerty had a short breakaway, but Demko sprawled out to make a pad stop on the right side. An official review confirmed no goal.

Archibalds strong speedy effort to get past a Penguins defenseman gave the Comets a 2-0 lead with 10:17 remaining. It was the second goal in three games for Archibald, who has played in every contest this season

"Im just trying to be a dominant, physical force every night," Archibald said.

Demko turned aside several good chances on the Penguins third power play near the middle of the period to keep it 2-0.

"(Demko) was good tonight. He had some confidence and you could tell," Green said.

Third period

Despite the Comets not getting a shot on goal until about five minutes left, the game remained unchanged until the Penguins pressured and got the board with 11:10 remaining.

With Andrey Pedan off for tripping, the Penguins broke up Demkos shutout when Tom Kostopoulos directed in a short pass from Dominik Simon for his team-best 19th of the season. It ended a streak of 15 consecutive penalties killed by the Comets.

The Penguins continued to pressure and pulled Jarry late for a 6-for-4 advantage with Pedan in the box again, but Demko and the Comets held them off.

"PK is a tough job out there. You have to get in shot lanes and block shots," Archibald said. "The PK has to bail you out sometimes and come up big."

Up next

The Comets close a five-games-in-seven-days stretch when they travel to Binghamton for a 7 p.m. start Saturday for the first of two meetings against the Senators in the next week. The Comets are 0-2-1 this season against their division rival this season.

NOTES: Fridays game was the 82nd consecutive sellout for the Comets, though there were a few unfilled seats throughout the Aud. Derek Hulak (34 consecutive games) and John Negrin (21 consecutive games) were not in the lineup due to injuries. The Comets are 14-8-7-2 in one-goal games this season.

Comets 2, Penguins 1

W-B/Scranton 0 0 1 1

Utica 1 1 0 2

1st Period-1, Utica, Subban 13 (Zalewski, Pelletier), 10:25. Penalties-Hamilton Uti (tripping), 7:40; Virtanen Uti (high-sticking), 11:34; Burton Wbs (high-sticking), 18:06.

2nd Period-2, Utica, Archibald 17 (Carcone), 9:43. Penalties-Pouliot Wbs (interference), 5:12; Sautner Uti (cross-checking), 10:52; Blueger Wbs (holding), 14:13.

3rd Period-3, W-B/Scranton, Kostopoulos 19 (Simon), 8:50 (PP). Penalties-Pelletier Uti (tripping), 3:02; Pedan Uti (tripping), 7:32; Burton Wbs (hooking), 14:22; Pedan Uti (cross-checking), 17:21; Sundqvist Wbs (high-sticking), 19:17.

Shots on Goal-W-B/Scranton 5-13-10-28. Utica 7-15-3-25.

Power Play Opportunities-W-B/Scranton 1 / 6; Utica 0 / 5.

Goalies-W-B/Scranton, Jarry 22-11-1 (25 shots-23 saves). Utica, Demko 10-11-4 (28 shots-27 saves).

A-3,870.

Referees-Furman South (44). Linesmen-Jim Harper (59), Jason Brown (44).

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Archibald, Demko help Comets edge Penguins - Sports - Uticaod ... - Utica Observer Dispatch

MORRISON Standing closer to the scorers table than he was to the 3-point arc, Newmans Eli Leffelman banked in a 3-pointer as time expired in the 2A Morrison Regional championship game on Friday night.

On the Comets previous possession, Brady Osborne knocked down a 3-pointer from the top of the key.

Those long-range shots were more the exception than the rule for Newman, as the Comets missed most of their 3-point chances and fell to the Indians 67-66.

The Comets were just 1-of-6 from 3-point range in the first half, missing the first five before Kyle Schmitt knocked one down with 2:40 remaining in the half. Cade Gorzny added another 3-pointer early in the third, but those were the only two the Comets would hit until the final minute.

With the long-range shot off the mark, the Comets looked for other ways to score.

We had to execute our plays better and start running them through three, four sides, Comets forward Travis Williams said. They did a great job of defending the 3 tonight, but we just had to execute better. We did a better job of that, but we came up short at the end.

Newmans shooting improved, from 7-of-26 (27 percent) from the field in the first half to 13-of-29 (45 percent) in the second half.

The first half, we forced some shots and didnt let the game come to us, Newman coach Ray Sharp said. Sometimes in big games, people try to do too much. We just had to settle down and execute. I thought we did a better job of that in the second half, but we dug too big of a hole and couldnt quite get out of it.

With Newman down 35-23 at halftime, Leffelman began driving to the rim, hitting back-to-back layups to open the third quarter. Williams, Gorzny and John Wilson also hit layups in the third quarter, as the Comets chipped away at the Indians lead, getting within four points.

Several times in the fourth quarter, the Comets were within a single possession. Leffelman hit a free throw with just under 3 minutes to play to cut the deficit to 55-52, then stole the ensuing inbounds pass, but could not connect on an off-balance shot in the lane.

Moments later, Leffelman converted a three-point play to cut the deficit to 57-55. Devon House hit a pair of free throws to cut it to 63-60. After Osbornes 3-pointer, the deficit was 66-63.

But after each of those baskets, Winnebago came through from the free-throw line. The Indians converted 14-of-20 free throws in the fourth quarter, and 20-of-26 in the game.

We hit our free throws, which helped us a lot, and our defense also kind of buckled down, Winnebago center Andrew Morrissey said. We just kept our composure and played our game.

Morrissey finished with 22 points and 14 rebounds for the Indians. He scored 13 of his points in the first half, mostly on putbacks and post moves, then shot 7-of-10 from the free throw line in the second half.

We tried to make sure he couldnt go low on us, make him turn to the middle, Sharp said. He got low about three times the first half and hurt us. Hes just too big to get around, youll never get back to the shot.

The last of Morrisseys free throws came with 4 seconds left to give Winnebago a four-point lead, causing Leffelmans ensuing 3-pointer at the buzzer to only draw the Comets closer, not tie the game.

Newman (25-5) got off to a quick start thanks to its defense. The Comets swiped four steals in Winnebagos first five possessions, three of them by Leffelman, and jumped out to a 6-2 lead.

I dont know why, but we did some crossovers right smack in front of them, Winnebago coach Joe Murphy said. Its easy picks of the pocket. I tried to get the guys out real quick and just settle them down. We told them not to mess with the ball, just go to the rim.

The Indians (17-11) settled in, and the Comets began to struggle with their shooting. Winnebago went on a 17-2 run as Kenzell Jones hit a pair of 3-pointers and added a steal and layup. Meanwhile, Newman went through a stretch of shooting 1-of-12 from the field.

Facing a 19-8 deficit after one, the Comets turned to Williams on the low post, and in the first 2 minutes of the second quarter, he scored eight points to get the Comets back within five.

I knew I had to come out and play really hard in the second quarter, Williams said. I just trust my teammates, and I just turned it on and started to go. I got settled in, and I just started doing my thing.

However, Winnebago answered with an 11-0 run to close the half.

Williams finished the game with 16 points.

Jones scored 17, and Ty Waller had 12 for Winnebago.

Boys basketball

2A Morrison Regional final

Winnebago 67, Newman 66

Star of the game: Andrew Morrissey, Winnebago, 22 points, 14 rebounds

Key performers: Eli Leffelman, Newman, 23 points; Travis Williams, Newman, 16 points, 8 rebounds; Kenzell Jones, Winnebago, 17 points

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Comets' comeback falls short in final - SaukValley.com

Matthew Lounsberry mlounsberry@hillsdale.net mlounsberryHDN

JONESVILLE Any basketball coach would love to have a player who can knock down seven three-point baskets in a single game.

Jonesville coach Tom Dunn has two.

On Friday against Quincy, Jonesville guard Koryn Playford sank 7-of-12 shots from behind the arc on her way to a career-high 23 points. The seven triples tied the school record that Playfords teammate, Teya Nichols, set in a game earlier this season.

Her confidence level the past couple weeks is coming up, Dunn said of Playford. You can just see it in her eyes and thats a good thing. She kept us in the game tonight. She shot the ball real well.

Playford scored nearly half of her teams points in a 47-36 win over the Orioles.

One of the big things we talked about was getting to their shooters, said Quincy coach Ritch Adams. We knew No. 5 [Nichols] and No. 1 [Playford] were their shooters. We knew where they were going to be, and we didnt get to them. We allowed too many good shots and they made them.

Nichols scored Jonesvilles first five points of the game, and was the second-leading scorer for the Comets on the night with seven.

Quincy jumped to a 10-7 lead in the opening six minutes, led by eight quick points from senior Hannah Economou.

The first half, Economou killed us inside. We gave her way too many easy baskets in the first half, Dunn said. At halftime, we kind of adjusted how we were going to play her, kind of slowed her down a bit.

Two triples from Playford and a pair of free throws from Sarah Dawson gave the Comets a 15-12 lead after the first. Jonesville used that momentum to begin the second quarter on a 6-0 run.

Trailing 21-12, Quincy chipped away at the lead, cutting their deficit to 26-25 by halftime. Economou, however, picked up her third foul late in the half.

That maybe changed the game a little bit, Adams said of Enocomous foul trouble. But [Jonesville] started defending her a little bit different too. They were keeping one person under the basket, and they werent letting us throw over the top. They were doing a good job on the weak side.

Quincy tied the game 32-32 by the end of the third quarter, but Playford opened the fourth with back-to-back three-pointers to give the Comets a six-point lead.

After the Orioles cut their deficit to 40-36, another Playford triple and two scores on inbound plays from Katie Brown gave Jonesville the win.

[Quincy] hung around until the very end until we could pull away, Dunn said.

Quincy was led by Zoe Aseltine with 13 points, while Economou finished with a double-double (12 points, 10 rebounds).

Also for the Orioles, Katie Rathbun had nine points and seven rebounds and Payton Hines added two points, two steals, four rebounds and seven assists.

We didnt execute exactly what we needed to on defense, Adams said. Tuesday against Homer we played terrible, so it did help playing a good game against a good team. Were at the point know, we know we can compete with the good teams.

Playford added four rebounds to her 23 points. Brown finished with six points, eight rebounds and three steals for Jonesville, while Samantha Dunn contributed six points, seven rebounds and three assists.

Dawson had two points, six rebounds, three steals and three assists for the Comets.

Sarah Dawson played outstanding defense tonight, Dunn said.

Jonesville has a quick turnaround, as they travel to Bronson on Monday to face Reading in the district quarterfinals.

We just have to come play defense next week. Were going to live and die on that end of the floor, Dunn said. Weve got to put the ball in the basket, and if we do that, we should be okay.

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Playford lifts Comets over Quincy - Hillsdale.net - The Hillsdale Daily News

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Scrantons Blake Carlton breaks out of a double team with crestwoods Lance Bass and Kevin Klusewitz.cv25crest4DAVE SCHERBENCO/CITIZENS VOICE

DAVE SCHERBENCO / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER West Scrantons Josh Hart holds the ball after colliding with Crestwoods Kyle Richards during Fridays game at Berwick.

BERWICK Four quarters and 32 minutes of regulation were not sufficient in deciding Friday nights District 2 Class 5A boys basketball semifinal at Berwick.

In fact, neither were the first two overtimes; nor the first 3:59 of the third overtime.

But finally, in a game where, all along, it felt like the team that last had the ball would win, West Scranton senior Blake Carlton beat the buzzer by draining a 3-pointer from the right wing, giving the Invaders a thrilling 41-38 win against Crestwood.

The shot ended second-seeded Crestwoods season, while third-seeded West Scranton (14-10) clinched a spot in the state tournament, as well as a date with No. 1 Abington Heights in the district final 8 p.m. Friday at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Forty-five years of coaching, Ive been on the good part and the bad part, said West Scranton head coach Jack Lyons. But this is tremendous for these kids. Its one of the best games Ive ever been in. Both teams had a chance to win. It was just an unbelievable game.

The teams traded leads all night and went into overtime tied at 28.

West Scrantons Austin Lipowitch gave his team a 32-31 lead with 30 seconds left in the first overtime.

But on the ensuing Crestwood possession, Noah Jackson drew a foul while trying to put back a basket with 0.8 seconds left. Jackson made 1 of 2 and the teams advanced to a second overtime.

Only four points were scored in the second overtime, as Crestwood had the ball at the end.

Lance Blass missed a contested layup, while Kyle Richards tip-in on the miss also missed, sending the game into a third overtime.

Blass started the third overtime with a pair of free throws, giving Crestwood a 36-34 lead. However, West Scrantons Josh Hart answered with a score in the paint to tie the game.

Hart delivered again at 1:20, pump-faking a layup. He waited for the defender to jump up and come down, as Hart laid it in for the 38-36 lead.

While Kyle Gegaris tied the game with a layup at 0:25, West Scrantons Shayne Merrifield tossed a perfect pass from the left wing to the right wing on the games final possession.

Carlton received the pass, drained the shot and left no time for Crestwood to react.

We had the opportunities and they knocked it down, give the kid a lot of credit, said Crestwood head coach Mark Atherton. It was a battle. Both teams were good defensive teams and it was a battle right down to the end.

Crestwoods Gegaris did an excellent job covering West Scranton leading scorer Cole Stetzar, who was scoreless at halftime. Help defense from Crestwoods bigs played a big part in that, too.

At the end, however, it was Carlton who made the unforgettable game-winner.

I want to first congratulate Crestwood and coach Atherton, Lyons said. Hes a tremendous coach. Those kids played a heck of game. That was just a game that whoevers going to make the last shot is going to win the game.

Contact the writer: mbufano@citizensvoice.com

West Scranton (14-10) J. Hart 6 1-2 13, M. Williams 4 1-2 9, B. Carlton 2 0-0 6, A. Lipowitch 2 2-2 6, C. Stetzar 1 1-1 3, S. Merrifield 1 0-0 3, S. Fanning 0 1-2 1, B. Harrington 0 0-0 0. Totals: 16 6-9 41.

Crestwood (16-8) K. Gegaris 7 3-4 20, E. Knapp 2 0-0 5, L. Blass 1 2-2 4, C. Boris 2 0-0 4, N. Jackson 1 1-1 3, K. Richards 0 2-2 2, K. Klusewitz 0 0-0 0, M. Ayala 0 0-0 0. Totals: 13 8-9 38.

West Scranton 11 4 4 9 4 2 7 41

Crestwood 9 12 5 2 4 2 4 38

3-point goals: B. Carlton (WS) 2, S. Merrifield (WS), K. Gegaris (CRE) 3, E. Knapp (CRE).

Abington Heights 61, Dallas 42

At Scranton, George Tinsley had 15 points and 14 rebounds to lead No. 1 Abington Heights.

Seth Maxwell had 15 points and eight blocks for the Comets and Trey Koehler had 14 points and seven assists.

Nick Kocher had 10 points for No. 5 Dallas.

Dallas (12-12) N. Kocher 4 0-0 10, M. Mathers 4 0-0 8, A. Charlton 2 2-2 7, J. Parsons 2 2-5 6, B. Donahue 2 0-0 5, J. Bittner 1 1-4 4, E. Szczencinski 1 0-2 2, B. OConnell 0 0-0 0, C. Pertl 0 0-0 0, M. Farrell 0 0-0 0, Z. Charlton 0 0-0 0, J. Serafin 0 0-2 0. Totals: 16 5-15 42.

Abington Heights (21-3) S. Maxwell 7 0-1 15, G. Tinsley 6 2-8 15, T. Koehler 5 3-4 14, J. Danzig 4 3-6 12, T. Rothenberger 1 0-0 3, D. Nealon 0 2-2 2, B. Bauman 0 0-0 0, L. Goodman 0 0-2 0, A. Derry 0 0-0 0, J. Nealon 0 0-0 0. Totals: 23 10-23 61.

Dallas 7 6 10 19 42

Abington Heights 17 12 15 17 61

3-point goals: N. Kocher (DAL) 2, B. Donahue (DAL), J. Bittner (DAL), A. Charlton (DAL), T. Rothenberger (AH), S. Maxwell (AH), J. Danzig (AH), G. Tinsley (AH), T. Koehler (AH).

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HS BASKETBALL: Comets fall to West Scranton in triple OT - Sports ... - Scranton Times-Tribune

Have you ever seen a comet? In coming weeks we may have a chance to see two interesting comets.

Episode aired Friday, Feb. 24th & Wednesday, Mar. 1st, 2017

Comets are small, irregularly shaped bodies of ice and rock that orbit the sun, typically in highly elongated orbits. Comet Hale-Bopp, the great comet of 1997, measured 50 miles by 24 miles; however, most comets are far smaller. Astronomers have concluded that comets originate in the cold, outer reaches of the solar system, where millions of ice-rich bodies follow long-period orbits, billions of miles from the Sun. But gravitational forces within our galaxy sometimes nudge comets toward the inner solar system, where solar radiation flashes their frozen matter to gas and unleashes powerful geysers of rocky and icy particles. The solar wind then deflects these particles and gases in a direction opposite the Sun, creating long tails, which at times can be spectacular. But comets can be unpredictable: some may brighten unexpectedly after sudden outbursts, while others may fade rapidly from view.

In early 2017, two comets may be visible in binoculars: Comet 45P/Honda-Mrkos-Pajdusakova and Comet 41P/Tuttle-Giacobini-Kresak. Both comets likely were once inhabitants of the far outer solar system, but entered the inner solar system, only to have their orbital periods shortened to about 5 years by Jupiters powerful gravity. After having passed Earth by only 8 million miles on February 11, Comet 45P/ may be visible in our night sky from late February into early March near the constellation Leo. And, during late March and Early April, we may be able to see Comet 41P/ in the northern sky near the Big and Little Dippers. Given clear skies and cooperative comets, you may have a chance to view these two through telescopes and binoculars with sky rangers and astronomers on the evenings of February 25 and March 25 at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Or, to locate these comets yourself, use binoculars and the finder charts below.

Comet 45P/ Finder Chart

Comet 41P/ Finder Chart

Western Slope Skies is produced by members of the Black Canyon Astronomical Society. This episode was written and recorded by Art Trevena.

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Western Slope Skies - Comets In 2017 - KVNF Public Radio

Crater, once the states dominant wrestling program, is in position to again assume the top spot in its classification, this time 5A, after the first round of the OSAA state tournament at Memorial Coliseum on Friday.

With 22 wrestlers, the Comets have the most entries in the tournament, and 14 got first-round wins Friday. Logan Meek, the defending champion at 145 pounds, led the way with a pinfall victory 32 seconds into his match against Cody Klient of Lebanon.

Angel Diaz (106), Zeth Brower (106), Hunter Grant (113), Tanner Ulrey (113), Hunter Hiatt (120), Dallas Howard (132), Nathan Santoni (138), Jace Godley (152), Markus Bennett (170), Tony Flores (182), James Pendelton (195), Beau Crawford (220) and Cameron Sweet (285) joined Meek in winning first-round matches for Crater.

The Comets have won eight state wrestling team championships, all at the Class 4A level, when that was the states biggest. The last came in 2006, when they won the last of four consecutive championships.

Sandy, which is looking for its state title, was in second place with 38 points, as 9 of its 16 wrestlers won in the first round. Hermiston, which won the last four titles, was in third place with 33 points, and Dallas was fourth with 30 points.

The standings figure to shift as consolation matches play out Friday afternoon, and especially after the quarterfinals, which are scheduled to start at 5:15 p.m.

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Crater takes early lead in 5A wrestling team race as Comets chase 9th state title - OregonLive.com

After getting into the area tournament dropping to Cyril in the regional final, the Velma-Alma Lady Comets fell to the Sentinel Lady Bulldogs 45-38 to end their season at 18-8 on the year.

Lyndei Mercer for the Lady Comets scored 29 of the Velma 38 points to lead the scoring for the team as Sentinel had the lead for most of the game and never had a double-digit lead.

Lady Comets Head Coach Kenny Bare knew it was going to be a tough match and thought his teams offensive output was low compared to the season totals his team had.

I thought we are better than that offensively and Lyndei Mercer had 29 of our 38 and she has been a force for all season, Bare said. I think we are a little better than that offensively we missed a lot of makeable shots. On the other hand Sentinel is a good team and we knew that.

Kyndel Brown had five points on the game with Shelby Byrd scored two and Taylor Norton also had two on the game to round out the Velma-Alma Lady Comets scoring.

Sentinel had two players in double figures with Chelsea Rodriguez scoring 18 and Lakyn Johnson scored 15 with both players having a combined 11 points in the third quarter.

Bare continued to give praise to the Lady Bulldogs and said he had to give credit where credit was due as the Lady Comets fell to Sentinels strong defense.

Next season the Lady Comets will replace four seniors and for Bare he knows it will be tough to replace those players, but is confident because of the five players he is returning next year.

As far as getting ready for next year we lose four seniors out of the nine players girls we have and four of them are seniors, Bare said. There is going to be a chance to be back in this spot again next year and really it depends on them how much they want to put into it and how they develop because we have to get better at a few spots.

Sentinel with the victory will now face the Central High Lady Bronchos for the consolation semi-finals at 1:30 p.m. on Friday at Cache High School with the winner moving on the area consolation championship game on Saturday.

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Lady Comets season ends to Sentinel - Duncan Banner

Emily Kesel

Marionville began its district title defense on Tuesday with a decisive 63-19 win over the Miller Cardinals. With the win, the 23-3 Comets moved on to face Galena on Thursday.

The number one seed in Class 2, District 11, the Comets fell behind 2-0 after the first minute and fifteen seconds of play. But senior Brandon Horn scored on the next possession to tie the game for Marionville.

Less than a minute later, a steal by senior Cole Brown led to another Horn bucket to give the Comets a 4-2 lead. From there, it was all Marionville.

With a 17-5 lead after one quarter, the Comets started the scoring early in the second on a free throw from junior Ryan Mayberry. Midway through the second period, Marionville forced a Miller timeout after three straight treys by senior Levi Doyle made it a 35-8 game. The Comets racked up six three-pointers in the quarter: five by Doyle and one at the buzzer by Mayberry.

The Marionville defense was just as solid, allowing the Cardinals only three points in the quarter. With a 42-8 advantage, the Comets went to the locker room at halftime riding a comfortable lead.

Miller managed to get on the board first in the second half, converting a pair of free throws, but seconds later a steal and layup by Brown erased any chance of Miller making a run.

The Comets' defense again was stifling in the third quarter, allowing the Cardinals just five points. By the time Coach Ted Young pulled the last of his starters with about 30 seconds remaining in the period, Marionville led 59-13.

With a running clock to shorten play and the Comets' second string on the floor, the fourth quarter went quickly. Marionville would only score twice in the final period, as opposed to a six-point effort from Miller, but it would not matter in the long run. With the final buzzer, the defending champs moved on to the next round, while the eighth-seeded Cardinals were eliminated.

Doyle's big second quarter helped him to lead the Comets with 23 points on the night, followed by Mayberry's 10-point effort. Sophomore Josh Goodman scored nine in the winning effort, while Horn and senior Aaron Head added six each. Brown finished with four, sophomore Gavin Stanton had three and sophomore Laythen Utke added two.

Look for the results of Marionville's second game of the district tournament in next week's sports pages.

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Comets begin title defense with big win - Aurora Advertiser

Utica Comets forward Cody Kunyk took his turn in the rotating guest chair.

Video One: We looked back at what turned out to be an under whelming week for the Utica Comets. However, the optimistic Andy Zilch explained why the weekly record isn't as bad as it might look.

Video Two: In part one of our two part interview with Comets forward Cody Kunyk we first explored his college career, and what a Nanook is. Then we found out what his time overseas was like, and how it helped shape his game today.

Video Three: Did you know Cody Kunyk's dad is a retired CFL punter? While that wasn't a surprise for our guest, he had never before seen footage of his dad in action. We changed that today, plus dug a little deeper into his family background.

Video Four: It was another look ahead at the Comets' upcoming schedule. If that wasn't enough, Andy Zilch put his neck on the line with a bold prediction.

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Comets Faceoff- Cody Kunyk - WUTR WFXV CNYhomepage

The North Stanly mens basketball team played its third first-round home playoff game in four seasons Tuesday night hosting the No. 30-ranked Andrews Wildcats.

After a slow shooting first quarter, the Comets surged ahead and advanced to the second round of the NCHSAA1A playoffs, winning 80-51.

Jason Doerr led three in double figures for North (20-7) with 22 points.

Bryson Childress added 21, including 18 in a game-changing second period that saw the Comets rally from two points down to lead by 20 at halftime.

Cameron Lee also added 20 for North, his 12th game of the season scoring 20 or more points, as the Comets increased the teams active win streak to 17.

Dillan Phillips knocked down five 3-pointers and finished with 20 points to lead Andrews (10-16).

The Comets jumped out to a 6-3 lead midway through the first, but the Wildcats answered with six points from Taylor Parker to lead 9-6 with 3:18 left in the opening period.

North went on a 6-0 push to regain the lead by five late points from Phillips in the final 40 seconds put the Wildcats back up after one quarter, 14-12.

We got a little overconfident going into (the game), Bryson Childress said. That first quarter was kind of rough.

The two teams exchanged four three-point shots to open the second before a Phillips three gave Andrews a 23-21 lead with 6:23 on the clock.

Bryson Childress started Norths second-quarter run with a 3-pointer as the Comets went on an 8-0 run to take a lead the team would not relinquish the rest of the way.

Shots started falling, things started going our way, Bryson Childress said.

Andrews pulled to within four with a Knox Chapman bucket at the 4:50 mark, 29-25.

The Childress brothers answered with six points in a 19-second span with two backcourt steals, putting North up 10, 35-25, forcing an Andrews timeout.

From that point, North outscored Andrews 20-4 over the remainder of the first half, hitting 15-of-19 shots in the quarter (78.9 percent) and outscoring the Wildcats by 22 points in the frame.

Once we hit a few we got momentum, Childress said.

The Comets continued to build on the lead in the third quarter, getting points from six players in the period. North outscored Andrews 11-5 over the first four minutes and built a 28-point lead after three quarters, 70-42.

Norths bench played the majority of the final period after Lee and Doerr combined for eight points in the first two minutes of the fourth.

For the game, the Comets were 32-of-77 overall (41.6 percent) and 4-of-6 at the foul line. Andrews finished shooting 16-of-69 (23.2 percent) and 7-of-13 on free throws.

We really struggled on both the defensive end and shooting the ball in the first quarter, North head coach Chris Misenheimer said. We settled down in the second quarter...P.T. and Brysons pressure on the ball produced points.

Misenheimer said the Comets have to get better on defensive rotations and every time we play we find something else we have to work on.

North hosts No. 19 Bishop McGuinness (15-11) tonight. The Villains advanced with a 81-55 road win Tuesday at No. 10 Hiwassee Dam.

Thursdays winner would face No. 5 Avery County or No. 24 Hayesville on Saturday in the third round.

AN 14 15 13 9 51

NS 12 37 21 10 80

An. Barton 6, Parker 7, Thompson 2, Pyle 6, Mathis 8, Dillan Phillips 20, Chapman 2.

NS JasonDoerr 22, Bryson Childress 21, Cameron Lee 20, Cord 8, Stepp 4, P. Childress 3, Smith 2.

Charles Curcio is sports editor of The Stanly News & Press. Contact him at (704) 982-2121 ext. 26, charles@stanlynewspress.com or PO Box 488, Albemarle, NC 28002.

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NCHSAA 1A MEN'S BASKETBALL Comets advance with win over Wildcats - Stanly News & Press

It hasn't been an easy year for Hudson Fasching. His goal sure was simple.

Fasching may never score an easier goal than the one he potted Wednesday night in KeyBank Center. It helped Rochester down Utica, 3-2, in overtime. Cal O'Reilly scored the winner with 24 seconds gone in the extra session.

Just five seconds after Utica opened the scoring, the Amerks won the faceoff and dumped the puck into the Comets' zone. Goaltender Richard Bachman left the net to play it, but the puck hit the glass and bounced to the front.

Fasching pounced to end an eight-game point drought.

"I havent had one that easy in a long time," Fasching said. "It was a gift. It really helps get the confidence going. I havent had a point in a while. It feels good to get the monkey off my back, even if it is just an empty-netter pretty much."

Slowed by a groin injury nearly all season, Fasching has four goals in 18 games. He got hurt in mid-October and didn't return until January. His game hasn't yet returned to the form that allowed him to make the Buffalo Sabres' opening-night roster.

"It could be better honestly," Fasching said. "I came back and thought I was getting better for a while, then I kind of dropped off. Im trying to continue to work and get better on my game, get back to those details that made me the player I was and gave me an advantage."

Middle man: Alex Nylander, the Sabres No. 1 draft pick last June, is in a small pool of 18-year-olds who have gotten to test their skills in the American Hockey League. The premier minor league is off-limits to North American prospects under age 20 (unless their junior season is over), so very few teenagers get to play.

According to the search tool at EliteProspects.com, there have been 249 18-year-olds in the AHL since 1990. Only 20 have played more than 15 games.

Nylander is 10th right in the middle in point production with six goals and 15 assists in 47 games.

"He's 18, and it is going to be a process," coach Dan Lambert said. "He's doing it at his pace. Of course, we always want to get there quicker. Whether it takes him another summer, two, we don't know, but he is a very talented young man."

Since 1990, Rbert Dme is first among 18-year-olds at 1.28 points per game. Hes followed by David Pastrnak (1.12), Jozef Cierny (1.00), William Nylander (.86), Nikita Filatov (.82), Jesse Puljujrvi (.76), Vclav Prospal (.64), Nicklas Bergfors (.62), Kevin Fiala (.61) and Alex Nylander (.45).

Sabres center Zemgus Girgensons is 15th at .28.

Familiar faces: Seven of the Amerks 12 forwards have played in Buffalo. Cal OReilly centered left wing Cole Schneider and right wing Nick Baptiste. Evan Rodrigues skated between Justin Bailey and Nylander. Muzito-Bagenda was in the middle of Fasching and Eric Cornel. Tim Kennedy centered Dupuy and Karabacek.

Three of Rochesters six defensemen have dressed for the Sabres. Taylor Fedun skated with Erik Burgdoerfer. Tyson Strachan was with Geiger, while Brady Austin paired with Patrick Mullen.

Goaltender Linus Ullmark was in net for the 41st time in Rochesters 53 games. Utica outshot the Amerks, 39-26.

Tipsy: The Comets opened the scoring with 5:22 left in the first period, and there was nothing Ullmark could do about it. Cody Kunyk reached out to tip Jordan Subbans point shot, and the puck bounced over Ullmark.

Getting hot: Amerks rookie Vaclav Karabacek scored for the second straight game, giving him three in 20 outings. Jean Dupuy won a puck battle behind the Comets net and fed Karabacek out front. The second-round pick in 2014 wasted little time with his one-timer with 8:32 left in the second, giving the Amerks a 2-1 lead.

Comets rebound: Utica tied the game, 2-2, with 4:16 gone in the third period. Ullmark made several close-range stops before Mike Zalewski pounced on a rebound.

Counting the house: Sabres and Amerks season-ticket holders were given seats to the game, but only 2,000 or so occupied them.

Next: The Amerks head back to Rochester to host Syracuse on Friday. Meanwhile, the Sabres return to practice Friday night and end their bye week Saturday when they visit the Colorado Avalanche.

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Quick hits: Amerks 3, Comets 2 (OT) - Buffalo News

When looking at the totality of what West Carter has accomplished during the 2016-2017 campaign, it would be hard-pressed to find a way for any team to top it.

In addition to the 11-game winning streak that West Carter accumulated to end the regular season, there's the 23 regular-season wins which are tied with Boyd County for the region's best as of last Friday.

There's the 19 wins that have been accumulated across regional play, which are also the most wins for any team in the 16th Region.

And then, there's the EKC Regular Season and Tournament Championships that West Carter obtained as a unit all while going a perfect 13-0 against its competitors within the conference realm.

However, there's still one goal left to accomplish that would truly set the West Carter community on its heels. That goal is winning the 16th Region Championship for the first time since West Carter High School came into existence in 1974.

Jeremy Webb certainly believes the goal is attainable.

We feel like we've made progress from early in the season to where we are at now, Webb said. I believe that we've gotten better on understanding what we need to do, both on the offensive and defensive ends of the floor. Ben (Jordan) has done a really good job of making it difficult for teams to score in and around the basket, and have made sure shots are contested there so that teams don't shoot high percentages on us.

And it's worked.

While West Carter is known for its offensive firepower they've scored 80 points or more six times this season and have won all six of those affairs the Comets' defensive prowess has been what has helped spirit its own success this season.

Over the course of the year, West Carter is 13-0 when it gives up 60 points or less. The Comets then only gave up more than 70 points one time during its 11-game winning streak, with the one affair coming against defending regional champion Elliott County in a breakthrough 73-71 victory in Sandy Hook.

In Webb's eyes, the results are a microcosm of different things.

Teams will try to pressure us sometimes by trying to space the floor and establish pressure up on the front ends to try to create turnovers, Webb said. Our guys have done a very good job of getting their heads up and looking up and down the floor. Hadyn (Roe) and Ben are very good at finishing on the back end against presses, and that leads to good results as a whole.

Then, on the flip side, you'll have a team that wants to play a half court game with us. In the half court sets, we like our size advantage in the half court when we're getting quality possessions. Sometimes, we'll settle for a jumpshot when we should've worked it inside to Ben in the post, or when we should've taken the ball to the rim. However, our guys are adjusting and doing a good job of that.

The overall numbers represent that fact, as well.

Roe and Jordan, the team's two cogs in the low post, have done nothing but alter the outcome of games from their positions, with the former averaging a staggering 22.3 points and 10.9 rebounds per contest and the latter putting together 14.1 points and 12.2 rebounds per night.

They have allowed West Carter to establish the region's best rebounding average, and the state's second-best overall, with their play.

However, the pair are far from the only figures who have helped make the team go.

Dalton Brown, who is averaging 13.6 points per contest, has handled the point guard position in fine fashion despite taking over the full-time duties for the first time this year. Dalton Roark is one of the region's most underrated two-way players and has proven himself as a force in man or zone defense looks.

Then, there's Ethan Adkins, Rodney Evans, Tanner Glancy, and Blake Skaggs, who all have given the Comets excellent minutes throughout the year. And that's not even counting JT Johnson, who nailed five three-pointers en route to 15 points against Bath County on Feb. 11.

We've had some guys that have really stepped up throughout various times and points in the season, Webb said. All of those guys have done a great job understanding their roles on the basketball team, and they've played well. I've been proud of what they've been able to do.

It takes a lot for teams to overcome adversity throughout the course of a season.

But if one thing is clear for the players on the West Carter, it's the fact that they have done their part in clearing the hurdles that have presented them.

And it could lead to the regional championship that the Comet faithful have long been waiting for.

From the beginning of the season to the end, we've developed an identity on both ends of the floor, and have gotten very competitive in regards to fighting on every possession and for every loose ball, Webb said. I'm happy with where we're at right now heading into the postseason.

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Comets looking to complete final step in banner year - Journal-Times

Kris Henry Mail Tribune @Kris_Henry

Ever since tying for second place in last years Class 5A state tournament, there has been a focused determination for the wrestlers at Crater High.

With a host of returning talent, the Comets set out to put themselves in the best possible position to earn the programs first team championship since a large-school title in 2006 capped a run of four straight crowns.

Crater accomplished that two weeks ago during a dominant display at the Midwestern League district championships that saw the Comets crown 10 champions and qualify 21 wrestlers for this years state tournament, set Friday and Saturday at Portlands Memorial Coliseum.

Now the wait is up for the Comets, and the state tourney cant come fast enough for the hungry contingent.

I think the kids are just antsy, maybe to just get away from me, but theyre just kind of antsy and wanting to get up there and get started and get it going, said Crater head coach Greg Haga, whose team last year earned the programs first trophy since placing third at the 6A level in 2012. At this time of year thats kind of how I feel and I think the kids are the same way. Weve kind of pointed our workouts to the regionals and state and Im hoping this is when theyll be at their best.

Competing for state championships has been a fixture of the Comet program under Haga, who registered his first team title in 1993 and saw his team place second the following season before a span of three straight titles from 1998-2000. Crater was second in 2001 before starting another run of four straight titles from 2003-06, and also finished second in 2009 when assistant coach Denny Walters stepped in midseason for Haga.

Our goal has always been to be in the running even on the years when were not as strong and the years were really strong then make the big strides, said Haga. Where we are right now, were going to go up and wrestle hard and kind of put it all on the line and if we win, great, and if we dont and get second, third or whatever, we can know we did everything we could to make it happen when we look in the mirror.

Standing in the way for Crater is a loaded Dallas team that placed second only to Roseburg at the prestigious Resers Tournament of Champions, as well as four-time defending 5A champion Hermiston and Sandy. Hermiston has won nine of the 10 championships since the 5A classification began in the 2006-07 school year.

All three of those teams have the numbers and the depth to get it done, said Haga. To me, Hermiston is the champions until someone dethrones them. You never count out the champion until someone knocks them off and that cant happen until Saturday night.

No one is going to step up and say, Here, have it, added the coach, youre going to have to take it.

Crater expects to be led by defending 145-pound state champion Logan Meek, two-time 106-pound state runner-up Zeth Brower and Jace Godley, who placed third at 152 last year and enters the tournament as the No. 2 seed at that weight.

I think all three of them definitely have a legitimate shot to be in the finals, said Haga. Our other guys know that theres no free rides, everybody has to do their part and earn a point or two. It doesnt matter if you take more people to state than everyone else if they dont score. Everyones goal is to be a scorer first and work from there.

Besides the aforementioned trio, district champions Hunter Grant (113), Hunter Hiatt (120), Dallas Howard (132), Nathan Santoni (138), Logan Lowder (170), Tony Flores (182) and Javon Gill (285) expect to be in contention on Day 2 for Crater.

The next group of MWL runners-up boast just as much potential for the deep Comets in Angel Diaz (106), Tanner Ulrey (113), Isaiah Griffith (126), Bryce Cwiklinski (138), Cameron Savage (160), Markus Bennett (170), Wally Pendleton (195), Beau Crawford (220) and Cameron Sweet (285).

For good measure, Leonardo Gutierrez placed third at 182 and Daniel Flores was fourth at 220 to also qualify for the Comets.

Were not going to have 21 kids in the finals or 21 champions, said Haga, but if everybody together does their job and wrestles hard and fights and scratches to be in there every match, we have a chance to be champion as a team and everybody gets credit for that opportunity.

Of the 21 Crater qualifiers, the only seniors in the group are Grant, Cwiklinski, Godley, Bennett, Gutierrez, Pendleton, Gill and Sweet.

Traditionally good for at least one state placer and a top-10 showing, Eagle Point will face a stiff test this time around given the relative youth and inexperience at this level. The Eagles qualified six wrestlers for the state tournament, with senior Chance McMullen leading the charge after finishing second in the district.

McMullen will take a No. 7 seed into the tournament, meaning an opening-round win likely sets him up against No. 2 seed Jacob Curry of Redmond in the quarterfinals.

The Eagles didnt get many good draws for head coach Kacey McNulty, with sophomores Josh Sitzer (132) and Brian De La Cruz (138) opening with the top seed, senior Noah Sitzer (145) getting the No. 3 seed to start and No. 4 seeds waiting for junior Jacob Hukill and freshman Freddy Barajas (106).

Ashland qualified five wrestlers this year and will look for a better showing after seeing all four qualifiers go 0-2 in last years tournament. Zach Adler was poised to claim a district title at 182 before things got away from him early in the third period, and the junior will look to use that motivation when he enters the tourney as a No. 8 seed.

Also qualifying for the Grizzlies are seniors Jerrod Reichert (126), Jeremiah Sherrynewby (152) and Cedar Barnes (10) and sophomore Trevor Fulton (160). All four Ashland wrestlers face a seeded wrestler in the first round.

Reach reporter Kris Henry at 541-776-4488, khenry@mailtribune.com, http://www.facebook.com/krishenryMT or http://www.twitter.com/Kris_Henry

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Comets aim high at state - Mail Tribune

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Noah Jackson: Blocks 7 shots in win

Kyle Gegaris: 16 points for Comets

NANTICOKE Kyle Gegaris remembered what it was like being eliminated by Pittston Area in the District 2 boys basketball playoffs.

Camden Boris? Not so much.

Both the Crestwood senior and sophomore stepped up to deliver key shots and their teams defense was its usual stellar self as the Comets avenged their upset loss at the hands of the Patriots last year with a 44-31 victory over Pittston Area in the Class 5A quarterfinals Tuesday night at Nanticoke High School.

We definitely came in with a chip on our shoulders, said Gegaris, who led all scorers with 16 points, including eight in the opening quarter. We came in with the mindset that we werent going to let it happen it again.

With the closer-than-it looks win, No. 2-seeded Crestwood (16-7) earned a semifinal date with No. 3 West Scranton on Friday night at a site and time to be announced. The Invaders eliminated North Pocono 44-29 on Tuesday.

Its exciting getting to the second round, Gegaris said. Were one step closer getting to (Mohegan Sun) arena.

Whether or not the Comets would have advanced past the quarterfinals without Boris this year is debatable, but the sharpshooter surely made his presence felt. He came off the bench to score all seven of his points in the second quarter, including two 3-pointers that turned a two-point Crestwood lead into an 18-10 advantage.

Coach (Cole) Wasco kept telling me, Youre a shooter ... Your job is to bring a lot of confidence and energy.

The sophomore responded like a savvy veteran. Boris second triple from the exact same spot in the right corner forced Pittston Area

coach Alan Kiesinger to call timeout and kept his team in catch-up mode for the rest of the night.

I did not see that coming, Kiesinger said of Boris shooting heroics. I certainly didnt expect it.

The seventh-seeded Patriots did expect the Comets man-to-man defense to be a challenge. After all, Crestwood had stifled Pittston Area in three previous meetings this season, including limiting the Patriots to just 21 points a few weeks ago in Mountain Top.

While the Patriots (6-17) didnt make a single field goal in the second quarter Tuesday, they hung tough thanks to their own aggressive 2-3 zone that kept Crestwoods guards out of the lane and forced them to take shots sooner than they would have liked.

Two fouls shots apiece by Chris Klein and Brennan Higgins and one by Michael Mazurkivich kept the Patriots within 20-15 at halftime. Crestwood again threatened to pull away as putbacks by Noah Jackson (nine rebounds, seven blocked shots) and Gegaris pushed the Comets lead back up to 24-15 just two minutes into the third quarter.

Theyd make a run and wed make a run of our own, Crestwood head coach Mark Atherton said. By doing that we were able to control their runs.

Pittston Area came out of a 30-second timeout with what wound up being their final push. Matt McGlynn banked in a runner, fed Pat Mitchell for a layup and swished a 3-pointer from the corner to bring the Patriots within 24-22 at the 3:33 mark.

The Comets defense stiffened at that point, blanking Pittston Area for the rest of the quarter. Meanwhile, Jackson knocked down a free throw and Lance Blass buried a short jumper to make it a five-point game entering the final quarter.

With Gegaris connecting from beyond the arc and later cashing a steal into a regular three-point plan, Crestwood finally put the pesky Patriots away early in the fourth quarter. Another McGlynn three got Pittston Area back within nine (36-27), before consecutive baskets by Kyle Richards, Blass, Blass again and Richards again snowballed the Comets lead to 44-27.

Both coaches let deep reserves finish out the final two minutes.

Theyre a good team, definitely a very good defensive team, Kiesinger said of the Comets. Theyre always tough, no matter how many times we play them.

I think beating a good team four times might be easier than beating it the third time, Atherton said. It gets psychological for both sides.

Not that Tuesdays tussle was easy.

These guys played hard, Atherton said. Now we get to move on. And face a West Scranton team that the Comets coach calls very similar to us. Theyre very tough, very physical.

Game Summary

District 2 Class 5A Quarterfinal

At Nanticoke

PITTSTON AREA (31) Tigue 0 0-0 0, Klein 1 5-5 7, Guillaume 1 4-4 7, Woodruff 0 0-1 0, Higgins 0 2-2 2, Pliska 0 0-0 0, McGlynn 3 0-0 8, Mazurkivich 0 1-5 1, Coyne 0 2-4 2, Cencetti 0 0-0 0, Mitchell 2 0-0 4. Totals 7 14-21 31.

CRESTWOOD (44) K. Gegaris 5 4-6 16, Blass 4 0-0 8, Klusewitz 1 0-0 3, Richards 3 0-0 6, Murphy 0 0-0 0, Boris 2 1-3 7, Andrews 0 0-0 0, Ayala 0 0-0 0, Kozelsky 0 0-0 0, Jackson 1 1-3 3, Knapp 0 1-3 1. Totals 16 7-15 44.

Pitt (6-17) 10 5 7 9 31

Cres (16-7) 12 8 7 17 44

3-point FGs: McGlynn 2, Guillaume. K. Gegaris 2, Boris 2, Klusewitz.

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Comets top Patriots, advance in D2 5A basketball playoffs - Standard Speaker

Teams that grind and fight in each and every contest they play in will always be in great shape in the long run.

And true to form, the West Carter Lady Comets' future looks to be extremely bright.

That future, however, is coming a lot sooner than many expected out of Aaron Rayburn's unit.

If 17 wins, a 16th Region All 'A' State Championship, and a 12-8 record inside the 16th Region lines doesn't prove that, nothing will.

However, even with that fact, the overall numbers are only half the battle, especially when one watches West Carter play over the course of a season.

Coming into the year, winning 15 games, the All 'A' Regional Tournament, and making it back to the regional tournament were the main goals, Rayburn said. Just to seeing the girls put forth the effort to accomplish more than I ever thought that we would this year says a lot about the girls and how hard they work.

In West Carter, a person will likely find that the unit is one of the scrappiest in the 16th Region, regardless of gender. The Lady Comets have held their opponents to 50 points or less in 16 of its 28 affairs recording a 16-0 mark while doing so and have displayed an extremely unselfish, balanced attack where the individuals on the roster share the ball unusually well for a team that doesn't have a single player above sophomore eligibility.

That's proven in the stats, where three players Hannah Bear, Kallie Burchett, and Allie Stone are averaging double-figures.

But it goes farther than just the overall point spread.

Take the rebounding department, for example. At 5-6, Chyann Zeigler is averaging 6.7 rebounds per contest an impressive total for any player.

However, five more teammates, including Bear, Burchett, Stone, and Ragan Adkins, are all averaging at least 2.5 rebounds per game or more. Madison Hanshaw was also averaging 4.3 rebounds per contest before the sophomore tore her ACL against Owensboro Catholic in the first round of the All 'A' State Tournament.

That evident teamwork and unselfishness, in multiple facets, has resulted is a record that is easily the second-best girls basketball team that West Carter has fielded during the decade.

We've just tried to be very direct with the girls, Rayburn said of the expectations within the program. Just being able to communicate what you want out of the girls is huge. The girls have really worked hard and come together, which is one of the biggest things that I've noticed this year. They just play as a team, and even off of the court, they're a team and like being around each other. It just all meshes well when we get onto the floor.

While the result wasn't known as of press time, the Lady Comets would tie its highest win total of the decade with a win over Greenup County last Friday.

That means that a win over Morgan County in the 62nd District Semifinals could not only give West Carter a decade-high 19 wins, but put the young team in the regional tournament where West Carter has better than a fighting chance to make the regional semifinals.

So is the future bright? Yes, probably more than even the biggest optimist could've imagined going into the year.

We're hoping to get those last two (against Greenup County and Morgan County), Rayburn said. We were close against Fleming County (on Feb. 3) before we lost by three points, and against Menifee County (on Feb. 6), we had a lead going into the fourth quarter, so we had a couple of games that slipped away from us. We're trying to take control in the end here and finish strong.

And taking control is something that this young team has done in spades throughout the 2016-17 campaign.

We can try to put this team in a situation to win, but the girls still have to go out and make the plays, Rayburn said. They've won a lot of really good games this year, so we're really, really happy with that. However, there's one more thing that we've got to do, and that's getting to the regional tournament. That would top off our year.

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Lady Comets set to make final push - Journal-Times

February 21, 2017

Waupaca Middle School eighth-grader Fletcher Ceizyk performs with the Waupaca High School band Feb. 14 during a boys' basketball game at the high school. Greg Seubert Photo

By Greg Seubert

The three-point shot was clicking for the Wrightstown boys basketball team.

The Tigers hit 13 of them including 10 in the first half alone Feb. 22 in a 73-62 North Eastern Conference win over Waupaca.

Meanwhile, the Comets also fell to Freedom 70-51 Feb. 16 and wrapped up nonconference play Feb. 14 with a 73-57 loss to Merrill.

Wrightstown 73, Waupaca 62 A 13-0 run that included three threes from Tyler Theunis helped Wrightstown take a 42-26 halftime lead.

The Comets trailed by as many as 21 points in the first half and but cut the deficit to nine twice in the games final three minutes, but never got any closer.

Justin Vaughn finished with six of Waupacas 10 threes and finished with a game-high 20 points. Ryan Dayton and Brandon Wanty also finished in double figures for Waupaca with 17 and 12 points, respectively.

James Hansen led four Wrightstown players in double figures with 16 points.

It was a little frustrating because in the first half, we didnt defend the way we needed to, coach Matt Bredesen said. They made a lot of shots.

Stephen Johnson shoots a free throw for Waupaca during the Comets 70-51 loss to Freedom Feb. 16. Greg Seubert Photo

Freedom 70, Waupaca 51 Freedom took a 42-25 lead into the locker room at halftime and didnt let the Comets get any closer than 17 points in the second half. The Irish also had a 37-22 advantage in rebounds.

Wanty led Waupaca with 12 points, while Vaughn added 11 and Logan Bunge finished with 10. Charlie Jadin led Freedom with 17 points.

I think its the lack of defensive intensity at times that bites us the most, Bredesen said. Weve been consistently scoring high-50s to 60 points every game. We just have to maintain our defensive intensity. We have times when our defensive intensity is good, but they got 10 quick points after halftime on us.

Its always been my philosophy that you have to play harder on the defensive end than you do on the offensive end, he added. Getting us to do that this year, next year, the year after is very important.

Merrill 73, Waupaca 57 Vaughn led the Comets with 18 points and hit five threes in a loss to the Bluejays.

Merrill led 34-28 at halftime and outscored Waupaca 39-29 in the second half.

Bunge had a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds, while Wanty chipped in with 12 points. Zach Mootz led Merrill with 22 points.

Waupaca will wrap up the regular season Thursday, Feb. 23, at Denmark before hitting the road for the first round of the WIAA state tournament.

The Comets are seeded 11th in their Division 2 bracket and will head to Hortonville at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, for a matchup with the sixth-seeded Polar Bears. The winner of that game will travel to Minocqua Friday, March 3, for a 7 p.m. regional semifinal game with third-seeded Lakeland.

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Tigers top Comets - Waupaca County News