Hornets Hold On To Beat Towanda

By: Ed Weaver | NTL Sports | January 31, 2024 | Photo courtesy Dr. Robert Bair

Wellsboro rallied from trailing 22-17 after the first half, then hung on late, to defeat Towanda 40-37 on Tuesday, January 30 to split the season series.

The Hornets got off to a slow start in the opening quarter, hitting only two field goals, and found themselves trailing 8-4. The second quarter was much closer, with both teams scoring in double-digits (14-13), however the Hornets trailed heading into the intermission. It wasn't until the third quarter when the Hornets took the lead.

Wellsboro outscored the Black Knights 14-5 to start the second half behind a 12-point quarter from senior Hayes Campbell. Sophomore Luke Rothermel added the only other Wellsboro basket in the quarter, giving the Hornets a 31-27 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Towanda managed to outscore Wellsboro 10-9 in the final frame, however were unsuccessful in their comeback attempt the second time around.

Campbell led the Hornets with 17 points while grabbing 8 rebounds and making 5 steals. Senior Caden Smith and junior Mitchel Lechler added 5 points each, Rothermel finished with 6 points, 4 boards and 5 assists, sophomore Marek Mascho chipped in with 4 points, and senior Ian Hoose rounded out the scoring with 3 points. Hoose also grabbed 3 rebounds and blocked a shot, Smith blocked two shots and had 3 assists, and Mascho also added a pair of assists.

Teagan Irish led Towanda with 20 points.

Wellsboro swept the evening, winning the JV game 47-34 to improve to 13-2. Mascho (12) and sophomore Jonathan Carl (15) led the Hornets.

The win improves Wellsboro to 11-5 (9-4 NTL Large School Division). The team is back in action Thursday evening at rival North Penn-Mansfield.