The Greenwood girls’ basketball team defeated the reigning champion West Perry Mustangs 39–30 on Dec. 7 in Millerstown to win the 51st annual PECO tournament, their first since 2010.
Both coaches characterized the winning Wildcats, who had advanced to the state playoffs the previous season, as poised and disciplined. Jeff Deitz, the head coach of Greenwood, stated, “We talk about poise a lot.” Shannon Dyer, the head coach of West Perry, said that his team played highly disciplined team ball and that their coach does a fantastic job with his guys.
With seven points from senior guard Bekah Brinser and four from senior Morgan Hale, the Wildcats stormed out to a 13–6 lead in the first quarter. They didn’t let up even after West Perry tied the score in the third quarter.
Greenwood managed just two points from Brinser in the second session, while senior Taylor Lupfer scored seven of the Mustang’s 12 points in the first half to bring West Perry within striking distance at 15–12. Coach Deitz bemoaned, “We started off well, but they locked us down in the second quarter.”
The Mustangs tied the game 17–17 when Lupfer scored once more to begin the second half and senior guard Shay Dyer made a three-pointer. This would be the closest they would get to taking the lead. However, Brinser made a three-pointer and Hale completed a foul throw to put Greenwood back up 21–17. Late in the third quarter, Dyer and Sophie Myers exchanged baskets, giving the Wildcats a 24–19 advantage going into the fourth quarter.
CHAMPIONS Following their victory in the 51st annual Perry County Tournament, the Wildcats pose for a team photo. (Photo by Brooke Myers)Times of Perry County
Myers scored once more early in the fourth period, right before junior Danica Zurenko made a three-pointer, showcasing Greenwood’s composure and leadership. After exchanging assists and back-to-back baskets, Sylvia Gantt and sophomore Georjean Rickard led 33–24 by nine points, a margin that would eventually hold as West Perry received all but one of their second-half points from Lupfer and Dyer, seniors. With two points apiece, Hale, Zurenko, and Brinser completed Greenwood’s scoring.
For West Perry, Lupfer finished with 14 points, Dyer with 9, and senior Haley Prowell with 5. Hale scored seven points, Zurenko and Myers each scored five, and Brinser led Greenwood with sixteen points and ten rebounds.
Coach Deitz remarked, “We did what we had to do at the right time.” And they had to defeat the Susquenita Blackhawks in their first game, which they accomplished 43-36. Junior Riley Egresits’ stunning three-pointer at the buzzer erased a 19–17 Wildcat lead as Susquenita came out strong and seized an early 10–8 lead in the opening quarter. At the half, they led 20–19.
However, Gantt made a fantastic play for two points, and early in the fourth quarter, Brinser converted a three-pointer that turned out to be the game-winning basket. With 3:33 remaining and the score 39-32, Susquenita launched a full court press, which Greenwood was ready for as they won 43-36 with to free throws. With ten points, Ayahna Fleisher led the Blackhawks, followed by Braelyn Prinz with nine and Tierney Stuempfle with six.
With a strong defense, 15 points from Lupfer, and nine points apiece from Dyer and junior Austynn Wolf, West Perry defeated the Newport Buffaloes 45-23 in their first game to progress to the championship game.
The Mustangs took a 25–8 lead early on, but Newport scored 11 points in the third term to tie the score at 36–19. Coach Dyer joked, “I wasn’t happy with our second half defense.” They did a good job attacking the hoop. Gracyn Shutt, a senior, scored seven points, pulled down 16 rebounds, and blocked four shots for the Lady Buffs, while Lillian Zerbe, a freshman, scored six points and pulled down seven rebounds. Emma Whisler, a sophomore, scored five points and pulled down five rebounds.
Newport lost to Susquenita 46-21 in the consolation match. The Blackhawks outscored Newport 15–8 in the second half after leading 31–13 at the interval. Megan Foltz, a senior classmate, had six points and six rebounds, while Newport’s Shutt finished with seven points and thirteen rebounds. Lillian Zerbe, a freshman, finished with two points, six rebounds, and three steals. Jordan Briggs, a junior, finished with three points and seven rebounds. With seven points, nine rebounds, and three steals, Braelyn Prinz had a strong overall performance for Susquenita. Riley Egresits scored eight points, while Ayahna Fleisher scored fourteen, leading the team.
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