Sentinel photo by MIKE GOSS East Juniata's Kennedy Seigler-Lewis drives for a layup ahead of Millersburg's Liv Dyler during a girls basketball game Thursday.

COCOLAMUS — In their first game back from holiday break, East Juniata girls basketball hosted Millersburg (2-8) on Thursday night with hopes of winning their seventh game of the season and first of 2025.

But, Millersburg had other ideas in a 40-21 victory as Liv Dyler scored 18 points. Emma Miller collected 15 points.

“Millersburg relies heavily on their senior post, Emma Miller, who is a tough matchup. She is both tall and athletic and can make plays on the offensive and defensive end. They also have a strong point guard in Olivia Dyer, who does a little bit of everything and is a solid floor general,” Tigers coach Laurel Amey explained.

EJ lost three of their last four games before Thursday’s contest. The Tigers haven’t played since Dec. 23, but Amey said the key is focusing on the mental part of the game of basketball.

“A long layoff presents a challenge, but it is something we have talked about a lot. Before Christmas, we had a stretch of ten games in three weeks, and we know that another stretch similar to that is on its way. Mental preparation is key; we have to create our own energy and bring that energy at the start of the game. We need to rely on our defense to get us going and offensively, look to be aggressive and get Landyn (Cramer) involved early,” Amey noted.

Cramer tallied six EJ points and Carolyn Dressler posted seven points.

Before the Millersburg contest, Amey thought it was crucial for the Tigers to contain, execute and rebound.

“Contain Miller and Dyer as much as possible. No. 2 execute on offense and take care of the ball. No. 3 Play strong team defense and win the battle on the boards,” Amey said.

EJ was outscored, 23-8, in the second half.

Next, EJ (6-5) hosts Juniata at 5 p.m. on Saturday.

BELOW IS FROM STAFF REPORTS

BOYS BASKETBALL

Wildcats stump Huskies, 60-43

MECHANICSBURG — Mifflin County boys hoops lost a tough one on the road Thursday, falling to Mechanicsburg, 60-43.

Mechanicsburg was able to grab an early lead, and while the Huskies competed throughout, they were unable to get within striking distance.

The Huskies were led by senior Aidan Attivo who had 14 points. Sophomore Luke Bender also added nine points.

The JV Huskies got a win in overtime over Mechanicsburg, 40-34.

It was a game of runs, but a late surge and strong OT performance helped propel the Huskies to the win.

The Husky boys were led by sophomore Carson Franklin who tallied nine points. Fellow sophomore Bryce Hartsock added eight.

The Huskies sit at 4-6 on the year, and hit the road again Tuesday when they travel to Milton Hershey.

Juniata bests UDA, 74-61

MIFFLINTOWN — Juniata drilled a dozen shots from downtown and toppled Upper Dauphin Thursday, 74-61, in boys basketball.

Jasper Shepps dropped 21 points for the victors and Ricky Guante corralled 14 points. Caden Swailes tallied 11 and Damien Vance added 18.

For UDA (1-9), Aidan Bingaman had 18 points and Landon Savage added 15. Ethan Groff posted 17 points. The Trojans made five threes in the contest.

Juniata (4-6) plays East Juniata Saturday night.

Indians dodge Tigers, 57-54

MILLERSBURG — Millersburg boys basketball topped East Juniata Thursday, 57-54.

Wrett Smith had 32 points for the Tigers and Jaiden May added 14.

For the Indians, Chase Romberger had 17 points and Nolan Schreffler added 14 points. Carter Sass added 12.

EJ falls to 3-8 on the season. Millersburg is now 7-5.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Lady Indians edge Trojans, 45-43

ELIZABETHVILLE — Juniata held off Upper Dauphin girls hoops Thursday for a 45-43 victory in overtime.

Mylee Landis dropped 20 points for the Indians. Regan Lowrey added 12 in the road win. Aubryn Deihl posted eight points for Juniata.

Mazie Bingaman had 16 UDA points and Reagan Wentzel recorded nine points.

After trailing at the half, 16-10, Juniata rallied in the second half, 28-22.

Juniata (7-3) has won four of its past five games. They’ll face East Juniata Saturday. UDA is now 6-4.

FROM WEDNESDAY

BOYS BASKETBALL

York routs EJ, 74-29

COCOLAMUS — York Country Day moved to 8-0 on the season as they defeated East Juniata, 74-29, on Wednesday evening.

For the Tigers (3-7), Sam Kopacki scored 15 points and Wrett Smith tallied eight points. Jaiden May added six points for EJ.

For York, Ryan Maus and Isaiah White had 17 points apiece. Johnson Ilonga added nine points.

York outscored EJ in the opening half, 46-17.

EJ hosts Juniata at 7 p.m. on Saturday.