By Bruce Adams
Undefeated Penncrest relied on its trademark defense in the first half to defeat visiting Conestoga, 67-55, Tuesday evening in Central League boys’ basketball action.Penncrest head coach Mike Doyle said, “To hold a high-powered offense like Conestoga to 12 points in the first half like we did tonight is unbelieveable. We’ve really been hanging our hat on our defensive effort, on the fact that we’ve been giving up only 41 points per game.”
The Lions (11-0, 8-0) outscored the Pioneers 18-3 in the second quarter to take a 32-12 halftime lead.
“[Senior forward] Chris Mills helping on Conestoga’s shooters was unbelieveable,” said Doyle. “His defensive effort tonight was one of the best that I’ve ever seen.
Penncrest’s Chris Mills takes this 2-point shot against Conestoga in last night’s game. DAILY TIMES PHOTO
He’s a defensive wizard, able to help against their shooters and then get back on his man.”
Penncrest turned red-hot early in the second quarter, starting the period on a 14-0 run to take a 28-9 lead against Conestoga (6-4, 3-3). The run began when junior Isaiah Rice got open for a couple of baskets, then a Conestoga miss from outside was followed by junior forward Matt Arbogast working his way inside for a score. After the Pioneers missed from inside, senior all-state guard Tyler Norwood nailed a trey despite tight Conestoga defense, then a minute later Norwood fed Arbogast inside to make it 28-9.
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