Last Friday “T H E” Wellsville Tigers played host to the unbeatened Southern Local Indians in the den. Both the Southern reserves and varsity came into town with nary a loss on the 2010/2011 basketball season. According to what we've been reading it's the best start in Southern basketball history at 8&0. It was nearly a packed house with loud, enthusiastic fans on both sides of the gym. The School District Band Director even had a pep band there to add to the atmosphere. Nothing against the Southern followers but Wellsville fans put on a lively demonstration on how to back the hometown team. It was one of the best crowds I've seen in two years. And it worked...
It wasn't an easy game for the Tigers. They were up by six at the end of one quarter only to go into the locker room at the half trailing by a point at 31-30. At the end of three Southern had a 42-36 lead. Then the guys in orange & black went to work, out scoring the team in blue 20-10 in the fourth quarter, posting a 56-52 win on the score board when the time ran out. It always seems to be that 3rd quarter in tough games the Tigers get us worried. Wish they would get over that!
Sharp shooter, Senior Michael Johnston had a game high 31 points on the night. Only three points of that total came from outside the arch. If they won't let Johnston shoot out in the 3-point range he'll take it to the basket or somewhere in between to get his shots. He's not a ball hog. If he spots someone open he'll dish it off just as quick.
Playing like a man possessed Senior Jalen DeSarro recorded another double-double with 17 points and 17 rebounds to go with his five assists. DeSarro & Johnston combined for 48 points out of the 56 total. Junior Josh Carter had 10 rebounds and Senior Christian Kapp another six for the night.
The Wellsville Reserves won the opening match by a score of 45-42 with Jordan Sloan hitting a team high 16 point in that game. That bus ride back out Route 39 must have been a quiet one for the Indians. The Tigers travel out there February 11 for a rematch.
Wellsville basketball legend Bevo Francis was in the stands Friday night. He's the guy that still holds the NCAA record for most points scored in a single game that goes back to the 1950s. Francis went to high school in Wellsville but lives out in Southern Local territory. His children and most of his grandchildren attended Southern Local. Being nibby we asked him between games who he was rooting for in this one. He replied “I'm neutral in this one”. He could have gone into politics...
On Saturday night the Tigers were back on the hardwood hosting the Beaver Local Beavers for their second match up of the season. The winless Beavers dropped their ninth one of the season loosing to Wellsville 99-72. With the Steelers in the play-offs we didn't get to the basketball game but we did catch the second half listening to WHS Sports Station. Even though the Fighting Beavers are still looking for that first win the broadcasters were complimenting them for not quitting and giving up.
In the Saturday game both Johnston and DeSarro shared game high honors. Both scored 30 points each. DeSarro recorded his second double-double in two nights adding another 17 rebounds with five more assists. Christian Kapp poured in an additional 13 points. However, the night belonged to Wellsville #23, when Michael Johnston passed 1,000 points scored in his high school career. We'll have more on that later. By the end of the night Johnston is up to 1,020 career points.
The Tiger Reserves also won by a score 52-42. Seth Bradford and Cody Reese both recorded team highs with both having 15 points a piece. The Wellsville varsity moves to 8&2 on the season. The Tigers return to action this coming Friday, January 21, when Jackson Milton comes to town. After that they are on the road for three games. The pictures above are from the Southern game.
We been seeing some great basketball thanks to the Tigers. They're running, gunning and playing in your face ball. Join in and support your Wellsville Tigers. See you Friday.
Go Tigers!
ole nib
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