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SCHOLASTIC SPORTS

From staff reports

Mifflin County 66, Shikellamy 55

SUNBURY – Mifflin County ended a long road stretch on the right foot Monday when the Huskies relied on defense and rebounding to post a 66-55 win over non-conference opponent Shikellamy.

“I thought for the most part tonight we played with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. However, at times defensively, we looked like a team playing their third road game in four days,” Mifflin County coach Aaron Gingrich said.

Mifflin County took a 17-13 lead into the second quarter, but really turned on the scoring before the half for a 39-25 lead.

“Although Hunter Wright (16 points) and Evan Seby (18 points) led us in scoring, we got some good contributions defensively and on the boards from Curtis Jerzerick, Jared Michaels and Peyton Reesman,” Gingrich said.

Mifflin County posted eight 3-pointers, while Shikellamy hit 10; however, Gingrich said the Braves’ distance game never put the win in jeopardy.

A double-double from Reesman (11 points, 13 rebounds) led to a 64-47 win for the Huskies in JV action.

Mifflin County (4-5) travels to Chambersburg Friday.

Junior High

Wrestling

Mifflin County won the Milton Jr. High Invitational over the weekend. Place winners included Clayton Wolfgang, Logan Wise, Trent Hidlay and Isaac McClay in first; Christian Fisher, Cole Guthridge, Jonah Kile, Drayson Sullivan, Scout Kyper and Austin Haubrick in second; Joey Taptich in fourth; Cole Middaugh in fifth and Hunter Michaels in seventh.

Girls basketball

The ninth grade Mifflin County team won the Harrisburg Lady Cougar Freshman Classic Tournament for the second year in a row over the holiday break. The Huskies’ five wins included:

Mifflin County 45, Central Dauphin East 31. Eleana Eckley high scorer 13.

Mifflin County 49, Susquehanna Township 23. Laiken Turner high scorer 14.

Mifflin County 48, Red Lion 32. Turner high scorer 14.

Mifflin County 47, Harrisburg 31. Riley Rittenhouse high scorer 13.

Mifflin County 45, Central Dauphin 41. Ericka Lepley high scorer 18.

SCHOLASTIC SPORTS

From staff reports

BURNHAM – Four swimmers enjoyed individual success at a new level as Mifflin County hosted a non-league swim meet against Bellefonte Friday.

Kristen Neavling won the girls 100-yard breaststroke, her first gold-medal finish in a high school event. Allison Besch won the 100 butterfly, her first individual win.

Placing at their career highest were Luke Feltman (second, 100 freestyle) and Jacklyn Fultz (third, 200 freestyle).

“I was incredibly pleased with how many of our swimmers placed in the top three tonight,” Mifflin County coach Amy Houtz said. “It is so great to watch their hard work pay off.”

Houtz said the winner of the girls meet was decided in the final event, where Bellefonte edged Mifflin County, 85-82. Five swimmers hit district qualifying times in a total of eight events, with Besch hitting her first qualifier and Zack Bonson coming in under the time in three races. Evan Becker made not only the district time but also qualified for the more difficult Mid-Penn meet in the 200 freestyle and 100 backstroke.

Bonson and Ali McCurdy also had firsts in individual events.

“All swimmers are continuing to improve their techniques, endurance and competitive edge,” Houtz said.

In the boys meet, Mifflin County lost 98-39.

The Huskies swim next at Central Mountain Thursday.

Boys basketball

Octorara 75,

Mifflin County 68 (OT)

SHIPPENSBURG – A 21-point first quarter was what Mifflin County needed to take a lead over Octorara at the Shippensburg boys basketball tournament Friday. A scoreless overtime period was what resulted in the 75-68 loss for the Huskies.

“The keys to tonight’s loss were our inability to defend Octorara after the first quarter and an inability to rebound offensively,” Mifflin County coach Aaron Gingrich said, while also giving credit to Octorara’s strong offensive effort.

In the contest, Mifflin County was outscored by Octorara in every period but the first and fourth. Curtis Jerzerick tied with Octorara’s Tarojae Brake for a game-high 21 points. Evan Seby (14 points) and Jack Packer (18 points) both had four treys for the Huskies.

“Scoring points was not an issue, but our defensive effort left a lot to be desired after holding them to 11 points in the first quarter,” Gingrich continued.

Mifflin County won the JV contest 55-52 in triple overtime. Ross Torquato scored 16 points, eight of which were in the third overtime, to lead the Huskies.

Mifflin County (3-4) will play Washington High School, of Charleston, W. Va. today at 6 p.m.

Girls basketball

Camp Hill 51,

Greenwood 34

YORK SPRINGS – Foul shooting doomed Greenwood in a girls basketball game Friday night as they went 7-22 from the line and fell to Camp Hill 51-34.

Camp Hill didn’t help the cause as they had four players reach double figures including Kelsey Collingsworth’s team-best 12 points.

Morgan Kauffman led the way for Greenwood with a team-high 12 points.

Greenwood (4-5) will be in action next on Thursday when it travels to Halifax at 7:30 p.m.

Wrestling

Mount Union 63,

Claysburg-Kimmel 12

MOUNT UNION – Eight Mount Union wrestlers showed their opponents the lights as the Trojans put away Claysburg-Kimmel, 63-12, in an Inter-County Conference dual meet Friday.

The win closed out Mount Union’s perfect December.

Getting pins were Curtis Jury, Dylan Smith, D.J. Bookwalter, Philip Kyle, Darrian Stapleton, Dakota Walter, Sage Moist, Jake Boozel and Robbie Steel. Jury, Stapleton and Moist all won in the first minute of their matches; Steel was the only one from his team who needed more than the first period offered.

Austin Low won a decision and two forfeits were offered by the visitors.

Junior high

Wrestling

Mount Union 69, Claysburg-Kimmel 12. Pins by Evan Fortney, James Woods, Kaleb Atherton, Levi Hockenberry, Patrick Walker and Josh Boozel.

SCHOLASTIC SPORTS

From staff reports

HUNTINGDON – Ashley Foor had a 15-point night boosted by three long balls and Tynita White was right behind her with 14, fueling Mount Union to a 46-45 win over Juniata Valley in the first round of the Huntingdon Lions Club tournament at Juniata College Thursday.

The Trojans will face Huntingdon, a 54-29 winner over Southern Huntingdon, in the final tonight.

Mount Union had a better than average start against the Hornets, staking a two-point lead after a quarter. But the Trojans, who coach Jenny Cunningham said have been plagued by slow starts and early turnovers, were trailing by the same margin when the teams headed to the locker room.

“We got lucky in the first quarter,” she said. “We have a hard time getting started. Once we get started we play basketball.”

They got started, and effectively finished the game in the third with an edge that held through the final stanza.

Cunningham said her girls were tested by the flow of the game, knowing they were playing with a limited bench. She told them at the break to dig deep.

“It was a very physical game,” she said. “They can’t allow themselves to be pushed around”

Mount Union improves to 3-3 with the win.

Girls basketball

Boiling Springs 40, Greenwood 35

YORK SPRINGS – Mallory Fortenbaugh led the individual scoring with 12 points, but Greenwood couldn’t match Boiling Springs at the line. The Bubblers hit 15 of 22 attempts at the charity stripe on the way to a 40-35 win in the first round of the Bermudian Springs tournament.

The Wildcats will play Camp Hill, which lost 37-31 to the host school, in the consolation game tonight.

SCHOLASTIC SPORTS

From staff reports

HUNTINGDON – Non-conference play was unkind to the Trojans Monday, as a 57-46 loss to Huntingdon handed Mount Union its second loss in boys basketball action.

The Trojans trailed 25-22 at the half, but an 18-6 run by the Bearcats in the third put the game out of Mount Union’s reach.

“They made a nice run on us in the third,” said Mount Union coach Joe Komir, who said that missed shots by his team and some strong rebounding by Huntingdon resulted in the lopsided quarter.

Mount Union’s Trevon Walker had a game-high 16 points.

In JV action, Huntingdon picked up an offensive rebound and to score just before the final buzzer for a 34-33 victory.

Mount Union (5-2) travels to Northern Bedford Dec. 30.

SCHOLASTIC SPORTS

From staff reports

SUNBURY – The Juniata wrestling team competed in the Shikellamy Dual on Saturday and came away with three wins.

The Indians were able to beat Bloomsburg (58-20), Kennard Dale (38-36) and West York (41-30).

Juniata also took two losses at the hands of host Shikellamy (49-21) and Coatesville (50-19).

The big winner for Juniata was Jared Benner, who went 3-0 at 160 pounds on the day, defeating Josh Derr (Shikellamy) via pinfall, Zach Dellicompagni of Coatesville via major decision (11-0) and Jared Diehl (Bloomsburg) via pinfall just 45 seconds into the contest.

Juniata also got a solid performance from Richie Gilson, who went 4-1 on the day.

Like Benner, Gilson also picked up a win in the Shikellamy contest over Nicholas Cashdollar, a 4-2 decision victory.

Gilson’s only loss on the day came to Chase Stephens of Coatesville.

Tylynn Miller (106 pounds), Dylan Feltman (138 pounds) and Nathan Fultz (220 pounds) all picked up wins in the 58-20 thrashing of Bloomsburg.

Juniata’s come-from-behind win over Kennard Dale was clinched by Kobe Benner, who picked up a 8-6 overtime victory over Troy Jones.

Dylan Feltman (138 pounds) and Cole Kellison (145 pounds) picked up wins in the Kennard Dale match.

Juniata will take the mats next on Friday when they compete in the Conestoga Valley Tournament.

MIDDLEBURG – The Midd-West wrestling team split its matches at the Trojan duals on Saturday, defeating Williams Valley 51-30 and falling to Montgomery 36-25.

Four Midd-West wrestlers took home two wins on the day to help the cause.

Tanner Ebright (145 pounds), Cameron Snook (160 pounds), Zach Longacre (220 pounds) and Adam Zerby (285 pounds) all won twice.

Of those four, Zerby was the star.

The heavyweight picked up first-round pins over Kameron Rupert of Montgomery and James Cox of Williams Valley.

Ebright pinned Coty Carr of Williams Valley at the 1:21 mark and shutout Kobe Galentine of Mongomery with a 2-0 decision.

Midd-West will be in action next when they compete in the Bob Rohm tournament on Saturday.

Girls Basketball

MIDDLEBURG – Morgan Shirk scored 13 points and Midd-West defeated Selinsgrove 38-28 in a Heartland Athletic Conference girls basketball game.

The difference for Midd-West was its work from behind the arc.

The Mustangs got four 3-pointers including two from Brianna Beiler to Selinsgrove’s one total.

Midd-West also took the junior varsity game 33-29 thanks to Kayla Keister’s 20 point effort.

The Mustangs (3-2) will take the floor next on January 2 when they host Belleville Mennonite at 7:30 p.m.

SCHOLASTIC SPORTS

STATE COLLEGE – Mifflin County hung tight with Commonwealth Division rival State College in girls basketball action Friday, but ultimately it was the Little Lions who pulled away with the 52-46 win.

It was a matter of belief, explained Mifflin County coach Roger Herto, who willingly acknowledged the team’s sub .500 record, but maintained that when his team believes in itself, it can accomplish much.

“When these kids believe in themselves, they can beat anybody,” he said.

Perhaps some of the best moments of belief for the Huskies were in the fourth quarter.

A four-point second quarter put Mifflin County in the hole early, but by the final stanza the Huskies had cut State College’s lead to four points before the Little Lions pulled away for the win.

It was a team effort, as Jessa Wright had to leave the floor with an injury, but Bryce Papp and Molly Dunmire came off the bench to give the Huskies some solid minutes in their rally attempt.

Ashleigh Williams scored a game-high 19 points, including four treys. Teammates Rebeka Knable and Wright also contributed two 3-pointers apiece, in addition to their other buckets.

State College won the JV game, 37-29.

Mifflin County (2-4, 1-4) will play Emmaus at 8 p.m. Dec. 27 for the its first game in the Husky Club Holiday Challenge.

Girls basketball

Mount Union 42, West Branch 35

MORRISDALE – Mount Union might have had some slow moments Friday in its girls basketball game against West Branch, but the Trojans hit the boards hard and Tynita White scored a game-high 26 points, all of which culminated in a 42-35 win for the locals.

“We played a lot better tonight. We had tough first and third quarters, but we played great in the second and the fourth,” Mount Union coach Jenny Cunningham said.

Other factors in the win included the fact that Mount Union kept the Warriors below double-digit scoring in every quarter but the first, and was very effective in breaking West Branch’s press.

In JV action, West Branch won 48-31.

Mount Union (2-3, 2-1) will compete Dec. 26 in the Lions Club Tournament at Juniata College.

Greenwood 53, Lancaster Country Day 14

MILLERSTOWN – Greenwood posted a decisive win over Lancaster Country Day in girls basketball action Friday, when a potent offensive effort from the Wildcats easily propelled them to the 53-14 victory.

Lancaster Country Day was listless in the Tri-Valley League contest, as Greenwood forced the visitors to endure a scoreless third quarter and only allowed three separate players to score throughout the entire game.

Offensively, Greenwood was led by Morgan Kauffman and Hattie Kuhns, both of whom had a game-high 11 points. Teammate Anna Weger hit a pair of 3-pointers to notch her six points.

Greenwood will travel to Juniata today for a 3:30 p.m. contest.

Boys basketball

Mount Union 55, West Branch 42

MOUNT UNION – The Trojans put on an impressive 18-7 run Friday against Inter-County Conference opponent West Branch in the fourth quarter and it resulted in a 55-42 boys basketball win for the Trojans.

Mount Union coach Joe Komir said the Trojans made things happen when they needed to, and this was especially true of the fourth quarter after a seven-point second quarter allowed West Branch to trail by just four at the half.

Klayton Heffner had a game-high 17 points for Mount Union, including a pair of treys.

Mount Union (5-1, 3-0) won the JV contest, 53-31, and will get back in action Monday at Huntingdon.

Greenwood 43, Lancaster Country Day 21

MILLERSTOWN – Greenwood gave Lancaster Country Day a 5-4 lead at the end of the first quarter Friday, but the Wildcats quickly shut the door for the remainder of the game en route to a 43-21 boys basketball victory.

“We didn’t come out with very much intensity. It was a very physical game, and we were kind of getting bumped off our cuts,” said Greenwood coach Kent Houser, who explained that after the first quarter the Wildcats made some adjustments that paid off.

Greenwood put up 33 points over the next two quarters, and Adam Harrison scored a game-high 16 points throughout the contest as the locals notched their third Tri-Valley League win.

The Wildcats (4-2, 3-1) will host the Perry County Tournament beginning Dec. 27.

Shikellamy 42, Midd-West 41

MIDDLEBURG – Midd-West missed some key shots from the charity stripe Friday, and it hurt the Mustangs in their 42-41 loss to Heartland Conference opponent Shikellamy.

Midd-West boys coach Aaron Ettinger said a rough patch in the middle of the game where the Mustangs were executing well but the shots just wouldn’t fall was also partly responsible for the outcome.

“We were a little unlucky. We had a lot of shots rattle out in the middle of the game,” he said.

Ascher Marks hit two treys en rout to his game-high 14 points.

Shikellamy took the JV game, 58-18.

Midd-West (1-2, 0-1) will host Belleville Mennonite Jan 2.

SCHOLASTIC SPORTS

COAL TOWNSHIP – The Mustangs notched pins in eight of the nine bouts they took against Heartland Conference opponent Shamokin, and it resulted in a 51-14 win Thursday.

Corey Stauffer, Dalton Klingler, Michael Ettinger, Brody McGlaughlin, Tanner Ebright, Jerry Lewis, Alex Lieberman and Adam Zerby all tallied a pin against their opponents in the dual meet laden with bonus points.

Midd-West travels to the Bob Rohm tournament Dec. 28.

Wrestling

West Branch 39, Mount Union 24

MORRISDALE – The Mount Union grapplers suffered their first loss of the season Thursday, when West Branch pulled out a 39-24 win over the Trojans.

In the Inter-County Conference match, Mount Union’s Nikolas Smith (285) and Jake Boozel (126) recorded pins.

Mount Union (3-1) hosts Claysburg-Kimmel Dec. 27.

Girls Basketball

Columbia County Christian 53, Juniata Mennonite 45

BLOOMSBURG – Juniata Mennonite’s Valarie Meiser had some career highs Thursday – four treys and 20 total points – when she and the Lions took on Columbia County Christian, but still the Defenders came away with the 53-45 win.

In the Allegheny Christian Athletic Association contest, Juniata Mennonite had what coach Andy Meiser called a great first half as it mounted a 25-17 lead headed into the locker room, but some missed opportunities came back to bite the Lions when a 22-point third quarter from the Defenders changed the outcome of the game.

“We didn’t strike enough when the iron was shot the first half. We missed a lot of layups,” Meiser said.

The Defenders lived up to their name when they held Molly Arnold to five points, but that’s where Valarie Meiser and Lauren Breon, who scored 10, stepped up on the Lions’ offense.

Columbia County Christian’s Mackenzie Boucher tied with Meiser for a game-high 20 points.

Juniata Mennonite (4-1, 1-1) hosts Bloomsburg Christian Jan. 3.

Fannett-Metal 64, Belleville Mennonite 33

METAL – Mollie Morgan scored 16 points including four threes, but Belleville Mennonite couldn’t get going early enough as it fell to host Fannett-Metal 64-33 in a girls basketball game Thursday night.

“Mollie shot well tonight,” Belleville Mennonite coach Ally Zook said. “She also created a lot for the team.”

The Thunder played even with Fannett-Metal in the second half, but it couldn’t overcome the 31-point difference in the first half.

Coming off a stellar defensive effort individually on Tuesday, Grace Peachey supplemented Morgan on offense with seven points.

Zook was happy with the second-half play and the shot selection for her team.

“We took just as many good shots as the other team,” Zook said. “Ours just didn’t fall.”

Belleville Mennonite (0-5) will be in action next after the new year starts on January 2 at 7:30 p.m. when it travels to Midd-West.

Juniata 66, Line Mountain 21

MIFFLINTOWN – Victoria Varner scored 25 points and Juniata quickly dispatched Line Mountain 66-21 in a girls basketball game Thursday night at Juniata High School.

The Indians led 42-13 at the half of the Tri-Valley League contest and never looked back.

Maddie Zendt supplemented Varner’s effort with 14 points of her own.

Juniata will be in action next Saturday at 3:30 p.m. when it hosts Greenwood.

Halifax 49, East Juniata 36

COCOLAMUS – East Juniata couldn’t get over the hump in the fourth quarter and fell to Halifax 49-36 in a Tri-Valley League girls basketball game.

“It was our execution,” East Juniata coach Travis Quici said. “We cut it to six late in the game, but we missed on four straight possessions.”

No Tiger reached double figures, but Maddie Trego and Kasi Horning each scored eight points in the loss.

“Nothing is going to come easy,” Quici said. “They just outplayed us in every aspect of the game.”

East Juniata (3-1, 1-1) will enjoy a long holiday break before taking the floor January 2 at 7:30 p.m. when it travels to Line Mountain.

Boys Basketball

Columbia County Christian 50, Juniata Mennonite 29

BLOOMSBURG – Adrian Martin scored 20 points, but it wasn’t enough for Juniata Mennonite School as the Lions fell to Columbia County Christian 50-29 Thursday night.

“Adrian feels the pressure,” Juniata Mennonite coach Dennis Zimmerman said. “He wants to make something happen and he has the ability to do that. He’s doing a great job.”

For Juniata Mennonite, Columbia Christian’s front court play, particularly from Ethan Runk (20 points), is what caused problems.

“We struggle with size inside,” Zimmerman said. “They had a big guy inside (Runk) and if we don’t box out, they’re going to get too many offensive rebounds.”

The Lions will be in action January 3 at 7:30 p.m. when they host Bloomsburg Christian.

Fannett-Metal 70, Belleville Mennonite 53

METAL – Belleville Mennonite had trouble rebounding Thursday against Fannett-Metal, and it played a role in the 70-53 loss.

Noah Anders (18), Sam Morgan (15) and Austin Byler (14) all scored in double digits for the Thunder.

Junior high

Wrestling

Mifflin County 79, Harrisburg 24. Winners for the Huskies (2-0) included Christian Fisher, Clayton Wolfgang, John Rutherford, Lucas Ernest, Brock Sinkus, Cole Guthridge, Trevor Taylor, Jonah Kile, Trent Hidlay, Drayson Sullivan, Scout Kyper, Isaac McClay, Austin Haubrick and Cole Middaugh.

Boys basketball

Ninth-grade team: Mifflin County 30, Hollidaysburg 17. Nelson Cook was high scorer with 10.

Eighth-grade team: Hollidaysburg 37, Mifflin County 28. Drew Westover was high scorer with seven.

Seventh-grade team: Mifflin County 27, Hollidaysburg 25. Nathan Poche was high scorer with 11.

Mifflin County travels to Mount Nittany Jan. 1.

SCHOLASTIC SPORTS

From staff reports

CARLISLE – Three factors, none of them working in Mifflin County’s favor, played into the Huskies’ 77-44 loss to Commonwealth Division opponent Carlisle Wednesday.

As identified by Mifflin County coach Aaron Gingrich, Carlisle’s outstanding first-half shooting, the Thundering Herd’s 3-2 zone and early foul trouble for the Huskies’ Curtis Jerzerick and Hunter Wright all culminated in the lospided outcome.

Gingrich further explained that it was because of the Thunder Herds’ small court that it was able to break out the zone defense for the first time this season, which shut down Mifflin County.

Hunter Wright and Evan Seby each scored nine points to lead the Huskies. Seby was responsible for three of the Huskies’ five 3-pointers.

In JV action, Mifflin County fell, 53-45.

Mifflin County (2-3, 1-3) hosts State College Friday.

Girls basketball

Jersey Shore 32,

Midd-West 20

MIDDLEBURG – Shooting woes were the Mustangs’ downfall Wednesday, as 18 percent shooting from the floor resulted in a 32-20 loss to Heartland Conference opponent Jersey Shore in girls basketball action.

Chloe Wagner was the only Mustang to near double digit scoring with her team-high nine points.

Other Midd-West scores included Brianna Beiler (3), Morgan Shirk (5), Kayla Keister (2) and Paige Kauffman (10>

Midd-West (2-2) hosts Selinsgrove Saturday.

Junior high

Girls basketball

Ninth-grade team: Mifflin County 47, Carlisle 21. Riley Rittenhouse was the high scorer with 15 points.

Boys basketball

Ninth-grade team: Carlisle 30, Mifflin County 23. Ryan Walker was the high scorer with seven points. Mifflin County hosts Holidaysburg today.

SCHOLASTIC SPORTS

From staff reports

BURNHAM – A couple of first-places. A second and a generous handful of thirds. Two young swimmers who qualified with district times and a veteran who made Mid-Penn qualifying time in not one but two events.

A good night in the pool? Oh, yeah, said Mifflin County coach Amy Houtz.

“These are tremendously competitive time cuts to make and this is a wonderful accomplishment,” she said after the Huskies celebrated individual victories after a pair of tough dual meet loses to Carlisle.

The finals were 119-51 in favor of the Thundering Herd in the girls meet; 126-35 Carlisle for the boys.

“They were competing against a Carlisle team with a lot of depth and talent – swimmers who have been swimming a very long time from the looks of it,” Houtz said. “It’s only the first few weeks of the season and they are improving at an amazing rate.”

Evan Becker won and made Mid-Penn time in both the 200- and 500-yard freestyle. Ali McCurdy finished first in the 50 and 500 freestyle races, hitting the district qualifying mark in both. Zack Bonson made district time in the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke as runner-up in the former and third-place finisher in the latter.

“With each meet more Mid-Penn times, district times and personal records are met,” Houtz said. “This is wonderful for the swimmers to be able to see such wonderful progress and success, even though the team score doesn’t reflect their efforts.”

A half dozen finished in third place in their events; the others were: Jenna Kile, 200 freestyle and 100 backstroke; Claire Mulkey, 200 individual medley; Kaitlyn Eckley, 50 freestyle; Kaegan Matthews, 100 freestyle; and Hunter Norris, 100 breaststroke.

Mifflin County hosts State College Thursday.

Wrestling

Mifflin County 47, Shikellamy 13

SUNBURY – Mifflin County took 10 of the 14 bouts, scoring bonus points in eight, in a lopsided 47-13 dual meet win over non-league opponent Shikellamy at Phil Lockuff Field House Tuesday.

Hayden Hidlay (138), Eli Habbershon (170) and Colton Craig (285) won by fall, while Noah Stewart (152) was a 16-1 tech fall winner.

Shikellamy’s Tristan Paul handed Isaac Underhill a 3-1 defeat in a battle of two ranked wrestlers at 145. Paul was No. 12 and Underhill No. 11 going in.

Mifflin County won the takedown battle by a 20-10 margin.

The Huskies host Harrisburg Thursday.

Mount Union 72, Juniata Valley 6

ALEXANDRIA – Apparently, 70 points in an Inter-County Conference dual meet didn’t satisfy Mount Union.

After laying it on against Tussey Mountain last week, the Trojans took advantage of six forfeits to bury Juniata Valley Tuesday, 72-6.

After Devon Kylor pinned Jesse Jefferis to open the dual, Juniata Valley gave away the next four straight. Also showing opponents the lights were Mount Union’s Bryton Stidfole, Sage Moist, Dylan Smith and Austin Low. Robbie Steel and Sam Estep won close decisions.

Mount Union (3-0) travels to West Branch Thursday.

Girls basketball

Midd-West 28, Greenwood 26

MILLERSTOWN – Despite a two-point opening quarter and both teams scoring only three in the final stanza, Midd-West held on for a 26-28 non-league win over Greenwood in girls basketball Tuesday.

Midd-West’s Brianna Beiler was the only player to break into double digits for either team, scoring 12 and connecting for the only long-distance call of the game. Nikki Willi led the Wildcats with 7.

Bellwood-Antis 76, Mount Union 35

MOUNT UNION – A pair of players in double figures wasn’t enough for Mount Union, which dropped a 76-35 decision to Bellwood-Antis in an Inter-County Conference girls basketball game Tuesday.

Tynita White led the Trojans (2-2, 1-1) with 13.

Bellwood-Antis won the JV game, 55-20.

SCHOLASTIC SPORTS

From staff reports

NEW BLOOMFIELD – Justin Mingle scored 23 points and Juniata knocked off Carson Long 68-45 in a nonleague boys basketball game Monday night.

“We had three guys in doubles with Justin leading the way, then Knepp and Clark in double figures,” Juniata coach Al Ream said. “We need that production from those guys to continue to push.”

Juniata was helped tremendously by a huge second half where they registered 44 points and distanced themselves from Carson Long, Ream said.

“We played better,” Ream said. “We had too many turnovers in the first half. We were able to convert in the second half.”

Juniata also took the JV game by a 43-15 margin.

The Indians (3-1, 1-0 TVL) will be back in action Tuesday night when they host Greenwood.

Boys Basketball

Mount Union 68,

Bellwood-Antis 46

BELLWOOD – Trevon Walker scored 18 points and Mount Union beat Bellwood-Antis 68-46 Monday night in a boys basketball game.

Walker’s performance was supplemented by Klayton Heffner (14 points), Kole House (12 points) and B.J. Loner (12 points).

“We had four guys in double figures,” Mount Union coach Joe Komir said. “Everybody scored in transition. I thought the kids played pretty well.”

The win runs Mount Union’s record to 4-0 (2-0 Inter-County Conference).

The Trojans will face a tough test when they welcome in East Juniata Wednesday night.

“I think the kids are excited,” Komir said. “Luckily it’s at home.”

Girls Basketball

Harrisburg 51, Mifflin County 50

HARRISBURG – Mifflin County’s potential game-winning shot didn’t go down and the Huskies couldn’t overcome a rough first quarter in a Commonwealth Division girls basketball loss to Harrisburg, 51-50.

Sophomore Jessa Wright’s 19 points, including four 3-pointers, were not enough for the Huskies as they were edged in the Mid-Penn contest.

“I think we lost this one in the first quarter,” Mifflin County coach Roger Herto said. “We won the ball game from the second quarter on.

“I told them ‘don’t hang your heads'” Herto said. “I don’t like losing, but I think we got better tonight.”

The JV squad took a 40-24 win from Harrisburg.

Mifflin County will take the floor next on Friday night when it travels to State College.

Juniata 66, Lancaster 7

MIFFLINTOWN – Juniata held Lancaster Country Day scoress in two quarters and the Cougars were not too effective in the other two as the Indians put up a 66-7 win in Tri-Valley League girls basketball Monday.

“We had some beautiful passes and finishes – just good team basketball,” Juniata coach Meghan Geedey said.

Victoria Varner (21) and Maddie Zendt (18) led the scoring for Juniata.

The Indians (2-0, 1-0) host Line Mountain Thursday.

East Juniata 35, Upper Dauphin 34

COCOLAMUS – Maddie Trego dropped 17 points as East Juniata defeated Upper Dauphin 35-34 in a girls Tri-Valley League basketball game.

Both teams made mistakes, but neither could take full advantage and the Tigers ended up coming up on the right side to remain perfect on the season (2-0, 1-0 TVL).

“It was one of those games that was nip-and-tuck the whole way,” East Juniata coach Travis Quici said. “It was one of those games where the girls found a way to win.”

Upper Dauphin took the JV game by a 29-20 score.

The Tigers will take the floor next tonight when they travel to Belleville Mennonite at 6:30.

Huntingdon 39, Mount Union 31

HUNTINGDON – Tynita White’s 10-point effort made her the only player in double figures Monday, but it wasn’t enough to get Mount Union a win over intracounty rival Huntingdon, which outscored the Trojans 39-31,

Huntingdon also won the JV game, 32-26.

Greenwood 45, Newport 24

MILLERSTOWN – Nikki Willi scored 12 and Anna Weger 11 to lead Greenwood in a 45-24 Tri-Valley League girls basketball win over Newport Monday.

The Wildcats were fueled by a 20-point first quarter and aided by Newport’s shooting woes.

Junior High

Basketball

*8th grade: Mifflin County 36, Our Lady of Victory 22. High scorer-Carson King, 14 points.

*7th grade: Our Lady of Victory 34, Mifflin County 24. High scorer-Eric Shilling, 9 points.

SCHOLASTIC SPORTS

LANCASTER – Bailey Coder scored 29 points and East Juniata opened the 2013-14 season with a 74-26 victory over Lancaster Country Day in boys basketball competition Wednesday.

East Juniata also got 26 points, including three 3-pointers, from Nick Lorenz as the Tigers opened up a 38-10 halftime lead and never looked back.

The focus for the Tigers was defense, and they certainly hit that mark, holding the Cougars to 26 points on the day.

“Defensively, at practice and during this game, we were focusing on that,” East Juniata coach Brock Anders said. “I think the guys stepped up on that end of the floor to complement Nick and Bailey offensively.”

Lorenz sits at 997 points for his career and looks to break the 1,000 point barrier Friday at 7:30 p.m. when East Juniata takes on Upper Dauphin at home.

Wrestling

Mifflin County 43,

Central Dauphin East 33

HARRISBURG – The Panthers had a brief lead over Mifflin County during the Huskies’ Commonwealth Division season opener on the mats Wednesday, but Mifflin County made sure it was a lead that didn’t last.

After falling into a 15-9 hole, Mifflin County’s Noah Myers (113) brought it back to 15-13 with a major decision over Joey Vought, then pins from Kyle Smith, Daulton Wilson, Hayden Hidlay, Isaac Underhill and Noah Stewart took the Huskies to a big 43-21 lead before the eventual 43-33 win.

Other wins for the Huskies included a 9-3 decision by Trey Hartsock and a pin by Tim Pearce.

Mifflin County (5-1, 1-0) travels the King of the Mountain tournament Friday and Saturday.

Juniata 39, Line Mountain 26

HERNDON – Hank Moore and Cole Kellison both earned pins as Juniata defeated Line Mountain 39-26 in a wrestling meet at Line Mountain High School.

Juniata will be in action again next Wednesday when they host Halifax at 7 p.m.

Junior high

Wrestling: Mifflin County 82, Central Dauphin East 22. Winners for Mifflin County (0-1) include Christian Fisher, Clayton Wolfgang, John Rutherford, Joey Taptich, Brock Sinkus, Cole Guthridge, Trevor Taylor, Jonah Kile, Hunter Michaels, Trent Hidlay, Drayson Sullivan, Isaac Maclay, Austin Haubrick, Dwayne Ruble.

SCHOLASTIC SPORTS

From staff reports

MECHANICSBURG – Roger Herto’s welcome to the Mid-Penn Conference is a trial by fire, and his Huskies team got burned Tuesday in their Commonwealth Division opener at Cumberland Valley.

The Eagles used a 28-point fourth quarter as the spark to fuel a 76-38 girls basketball win.

“I knew we were opening with the best team in the conference,” Herto said. But his opinion of his own team changed not one iota.

“I feel no different about them tonight than I did Saturday night when we won by 60-some points,” he said. “I like what I have in that locker room.”

The season is about growth, he said, with the goal of being what Cumberland Valley is.

This game went against Mifflin County early. Both teams had their whole bench on the floor before it was over, but all of the Eagles were in the scoring column.

“When the game started it was obvious right away that we were a four speed and they have a fifth gear,” Herto said. “Jessa Wright kept us in the ballgame a little bit early. But they were suprerior to us tonight.”

He said the Huskies also had unexpected turnover problems going one-on-one, which will have to be addressed.

In the JV game, Cumberland Valley took a 40-33 victory off the floor. Ali Herto scored eight for Mifflin County.

The Huskies (1-1, 0-1) host Central Dauphin Friday.

Girls basketball

Juniata Mennonite 38,

Watsontown Christian 7

WATSONTOWN – A trio of Lions recorded their first points of the season and 10 players made the score sheet for Juniata Mennonite, which won its Allegheny Christian Athletic Association debut over Watsontown, 38-7. Watsontown, which has not had girls basketball for two seasons, failed to get to the basket until the second half.

“A lot of girls got to play. In a game like this you’re thinking more spitritual goals,” Juniata Mennonite coach Andy Meiser said. “I thought the girls did a pretty good job with that.”

The Lions (4-0, 1-0) travel to Columbia County Christian Dec. 19.

Boys basketball

Upper Dauphin 57, Greenwood 53 OT

ELIZABETHVILLE – It’s become a rarity for Greenwood to lose a boys basketball game to a Tri-Valley League opponent.

But it happened Tuesday for the second time in as many seasons. The Wildcats saw Upper Dauphin put up 22 points in the second quarter en route to a 57-53 overtime win against the Wildcats.

“They played hard and they made shots in the second period,” Greenwood coach Kent Houser said, adding that foul trouble borne of aggressive defense contributed to the problem. “We held to them 11 second-half points.”

The ‘Cats had a difficult night on the floor, scoring barely more than half their points that way. At the line, it was a solid effort, as the team shot 74 percent from the stripe behind a 12-of-12 effort by Tyler Fegley, who led the team with 16 points. Adam Harrison scored 15.

Greenwood (1-2, 0-1) hosts Newport Friday.

Juniata Mennonite 54, Watsontown Christian 42

WATSONTOWN – Juniata Mennonite picked up its first league win in boys basketball Tuesday, staying ahead of Watsontown Christian for a 54-42 outcome in the Allegheny Christian Athletic Association contest.

Adrian Martin did the heavy lifting for the Lions, putting up 37 points for his team.

“Adrian Martin, he’s turning into a complete ballplayer,” Lions coach Dennis Zimmerman said. “He’s not afraid to take it in the paint.”

Kevin Burkholder added 10.

Juniata Mennonite (1-3, 1-0) is idle until a Dec. 19 trip to Columbia County Christian.

Wrestling

Mount Union 72, Everett 12

MOUNT UNION – The full 84 points were awarded in Mount Union’s home-opening dual meet Tuesday.

Unfortunately for Everett, the Trojans got all but 12 of them.

After a match-opening loss at heavyweight, Mount Union won two and picked up three forfeits before the visitors scored again. And that was the last time. Only two bouts lasted more than three minutes – those were the Trojan losses – and five ended before a minute ticked away, the fastest a 13-second deck job by Phil Kyle at 195.

Swimming

Girls: Cumberland Valley 145, Mifflin County 35

Boys: Cumberland Valley 143, Mifflin County 28

MECHANICSBURG – The Mifflin County girls and boys swimming fell to Cumberland Valley by scores of 145-35 and 143-28, respectively, in their opening meet at Cumberland Valley High School Tuesday.

“For the first meet, the swimmers competed well in an ultra competitive environment, where the majority of the competition was hitting district and Mid-Penn times each time they got in the pool,” Mifflin County coach Amy Houtz said. “These are swimmers who are swimming year round, not just the winter season. So, the score does not reflect the level of effort or skill which our swimmers exhibited.”

Ali McCurdy and Jenna Kile led the girls, while Zack Bonson led the boys.

McCurdy finished third in the girls 200-yard individual medley with a time of 2:42.03 and fourth in the 100-yard fly, touching the wall at 1:14.24. McCurdy missed second place in the 100 fly by about two seconds.

Kile finished third in the 200-yard free in a time of 2:32.80, and placed fourth in the 500-yard freestyle, finishing just under seven minutes at 6:59.51.

Kile and McCurdy also competed in the 200 free relay, where they combined with Kaegan Matthews and Kaitlyn Eckley to finish second in a time of 2:05.16.

Bonson finished third in the boys 500-yard freestyle, crossing the line in 5:29.80, just 13 seconds out of second place. Bonson added a fourth place in the boys 200-yard free with a time of 2:02.87.

The time was good enough to qualify him for districts.

Teammates Evan Becker (200 individual medley and 100 butterfly) and Drew Kline (100 breaststroke) also registered district qualifying times.

Bonson (500 freestyle) and Evan Becker (200 individual medley) hit Mid-Penn qualifying times.

“I was very proud of how all the kids competed,” Houtz said. “Our new swimmers were strong and are showing a lot of promise for competing at the district level. I think that all of the swimmers had a tremendous (first) meet, showing incredible promise for the rest of the season as we continue to grow and develop.”

Mifflin County will compete next on Saturday when it hosts Brookville.

Junior high

Freshman girls basketball

Mifflin County 32, Cumberland Valley 29. High scorer, Rylie Rittenhouse 9.

Freshman boys basketball

Cumberland Valley 61, Mifflin County 44. High scorers, Trey Dudley 12, Ryan Walker 11. Mifflin County travels to Altoona Thursday.

Wrestling

Mount Union 57, Everett 37. Pins by Andrew Todaro, Evan Fortney, Nathanael Morgan.

SCHOLASTIC SPORTS

From staff reports

EPHRATA – Despite wrestling without a complete starting lineup, Mifflin County went 4-1 at the Ephrata Duals on Saturday, good enough for a third-place finish.

Mifflin County defeated Daniel Boone (51-30), Columbia (66-16) and Ephrata (57-22) before falling to eventual champion Downingtown East by a 46-20 score. The loss dropped them into the third-place bout where the Huskies defeated Hempfield, 35-33.

This is the second year in a row that Downingtown East has been the stumbling block for the Huskies, who are repeating in the bronze medal spot. Downingtown East defended its crown with a 51-16 victory over Garden Spot in the finals.

Hayden Hidlay (3-0), Isaac Underhill (4-0), Noah Stewart (5-0), Timmy Pearce (4-0) and Noah Myers (5-0) were undefeated on the day, while Brandon Fultz (4-1), Mike Bielski (3-1), Trey Hartsock (3-2) and Jeff Murphy (2-1) had winning records as well.

Wrestling

Wyalusing Duals

WYALUSING – Juniata went 4-1 and placed second Saturday at the Wyalusing Rams Wrestling Duals.

The final match, against the host school, couldn’t have been closer – It was a 36-all tie after 14 bouts, but Wyalusing Valley got the point to win on the fifth tie-breaking criteria, greater number of six-point decisions (falls, defaults, forfeits and disqualifications). Wyalusing had five to Juniata’s four.

The Indians scored huge wins over Sayre and Elk Lake, and got to the last match thanks to a squeaker over Athens, 40-39.

Boys basketball

Boiling Springs 51,

Greenwood 45

BOILING SPRINGS – A difficult second quarter likely cost Greenwood a title at the Paul Corby Tip-Off Tournament Saturday.

The Wildcats struggled in the second, watching a one-point lead from the opening stanza wither away as they were outscored 11-5 in the second. Boiling Springs never trailed after the break.

Greenwood (1-1) travels to Upper Dauphin Tuesday.

Juniata 48,

Southern Huntingdon 35

THREE SPRINGS – Three Juniata players broke into double figures and the Indians earned the first victory of the Al Ream era, knocking off host Southern Huntingdon in the consolation game of its own tournament, 48-35.

Logan Knepp led the scoring with 15 points, but freshmen Justin Mingle and Tyler Clark contributed 13 apiece, including a 5-for-8 effort at the line by Clark.

The Indians (1-1) travel to Carson Long today.

Girls basketball

Juniata Mennonite School 44, Cambria County Christian 37

JOHNSTOWN – Molly Arnold scored 12 points and was named the tournament MVP as Juniata Mennonite won the Cambria County Christian tournament as they defeated the host school in the final, 44-37.

The Lions rode the play of Arnold and Lauren Breon as well as a strong first quarter to top Cambria County Christian and improve to 3-0 on the season.

“(In the first) we played the best quarter of basketball we’ve played,” Juniata Mennonite coach Andy Meiser said. “That quarter we began to put some things together.”

The Lions able to get six girls in the scorebook, while Cambria County Christian only had two players score.

For Meiser it was that kind of day.

“That was sort of the story,” Meiser said. “They had two girls score and we had six.”

Lauren Breon made the all-tournament team for her offensive contributions.

The Lions will take the floor next on Tuesday when they travel to Watsontown Christian at 6:30 p.m.

SCHOLASTIC SPORTS

BELLEVILLE – Sam Morgan’s 20-point night led a trio of players in double figures as Belleville Mennonite advanced to the finals of its own boys basketball tip-off event with a 64-35 win over Great Commission Friday.

Morgan’s efforts were supported by 17 points from Austin Byler and 14 by Noah Anders as the Thunder played a dominant game from the start, feeding to the post and finishing well, coach Larry Kauffman said.

“We came out and went up 22-7 in the first quarter, a lot of that triggered by man defense,” said Kauffman, who coached the first game of his second stint as bench boss of his alma mater.

Only three players made the score sheet for Great Commission, with Jonah Salyards getting 27 of his team’s 35 points.

Belleville Mennonite will play Columbia County Christian, a winner over Northumberland Christian, in the title game today at 3:30 p.m.

Boys basketball

Montgomery 43, Midd-West 41

MONTGOMERY – Midd-West came up a bucket short against Montgomery in the Mustangs’ boys basketball season opener Friday, which the Red Raiders won 43-41.

Ascher Marks led the Mustangs with 20 points, including a pair from behind the arc.

Midd-West did get a win in the JV game, 49-38.

The Mustangs (0-1) travel to Line Mountain Dec. 13.

Greenwood 52, Spring Grove 42

BOILING SPRINGS – Greenwood might have fallen behind Spring Grove 7-4 to end the first quarter Friday at the Paul Corby Tip-Off Tournament in Boiling Springs, but the Wildcats quickly rebounded to open the boys basketball season with a 52-42 win.

“I thought the fourth quarter we really did a nice job. We had the lead going into that, and we were able to extend it,” Greenwood coach Kent Houser said, explaining that the team went 13-for-17 from the charity stripe in the stanza to put the game away.

Adam Harrison had a game-high 17 points, while it was an overall strong team effort to put up the Wildcats’ 52 points.

Greenwood (1-0) plays for the championship at 7:30 p.m. today against the winner between Boiling Springs and Northern York.

Girls basketball

Great Commission 41, Belleville Mennonite 32

BELLEVILLE – A two-point first quarter might have been the difference between a win and a loss for the Belleville Mennonite girls basketball team Friday, when the Thunder fell to Great Commission 41-32 in the opening round of the Belleville Tip-Off Tournament.

“The first quarter was definitely what hurt us … we came out strong on defense, but it didn’t mean much when we didn’t score,” Belleville Mennonite coach Ally Zook said.

The Thunders’ Grace Peachey had a game-high 13 points, and teammate Mollie Morgan chipped in with eight, but otherwise Belleville Mennonite had trouble scoring.

Zook said the second half the Thunder had better offensive output, but couldn’t pull down the boards defensively, giving Great Commission too many second chances.

After a long 2012-13 campaign which included many lopsided losses, Friday’s nine-point loss was a double edge sword to Zook, who took encouragement from the team’s improvement, but also said “it’s more frustrating losing by 10 points rather than 30.”

Belleville Mennonite (0-1) plays for third place at 11 a.m. today against Columbia County Christian.

McConnellsburg 68, Mount Union 47

McCONNELLSBURG – Mount Union’s bench didn’t have enough to overcome McConnellsburg’s power freshman in the season opener for both girls basketball teams.

Bronwyne Mellott led the Spartans with 19 points – including 10-of-12 from the line – in a 68-47 win over Mount Union.

“She was very composed,” Mount Union coach Jenny Cunningham said of the lefty. “She had a nice shot. She was a good all-around player.”

With a starter out due to injury, the Trojans had to count on Gabby Morder and Alexa Knable, both of whom contributed after playing through the JV game, which McConnellsburg also won, 51-42.

Mount Union (0-1) travels to Glendale on Thursday.

Juniata Mennonite 39, Fulton County Christian 33

JOHNSTOWN – Molly Arnold’s 20 points – half of Juniata Mennonite’s total – helped the Lions in their tournament debut at Cambria County Christian Friday.

Her 17 rebounds and four blocks didn’t hurt any, either. Despite troubles all night finding the basket, the local team came out on top, 39-33, over Fulton County Christian for a berth in the tournament final today at 2 p.m. The Lions will play the host, which topped Greer Academy Thursday night.

“We played harder than they did. We got all kinds of good looks but nothing was dropping,” Juniata Mennonite coach Andy Meiser said.

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