NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Youngsville coach Jesse DeLoof said simply: “That’s not a game we win last year.”

That comment, even though it’s early in the season, speaks to the maturation of his Eagle squad.

Behind 23 points and 12 rebounds from Gage Hendrickson, the Eagles battled past a talented Redbank Valley squad, 70-55 in the Redbank Valley Tip-Off Tournament on Friday.

“We attacked for 32 minutes,” DeLoof said. “We came and threw the first punch, getting up 9-0. They threw counter punches and instead of folding, we threw back, throwing the knockout punch in the fourth quarter.

Indeed they did, outscoring the Bulldogs 24-16 over the final eight minutes.

Hendrickson hit a big 3 right at the first-half buzzer to give his squad a 32-30 lead.

“I thought another big play was Ethan Kesterholt taking a timely charge in the second quarter,” noted DeLoof.

Brady Olewine poured in 20 points and Joe Mack 13 for the Eagles, who have high expectations coming off of a playoff season a year ago.

They advance to play West Shamokin in the championship game today. WS beat Slippery Rock, 60-43.