“Going into this year, we preached being strong offensively,” said Sheffield head coach Jordan Copley. “Be patient. Be smart. Tonight is a huge stepping stone. They controlled the ball well.”

Titusville got off to a fast start around the perimeter with Isiah Colon dropping in two 3-pointers and Hudson Fratus sinking another, but it was a combination effort by Connor Finch, Tony Richards, and Lucas McNeal offensively, and some defensive improvements that helped the Wolverines pull back even to end the first period 17-17.

“We were a little sloppy in the first quarter,” said Copley. “Didn’t really execute on defense how I really wanted to. We stressed the importance of getting up on defense. Making sure we’re up covering.”

After a quiet third period that saw each team go basket for basket, the Wolverines held onto their 40-32 lead going into the final period. McNeal went three of five at the line and hit two more crucial shots to add to his solid performance of 11 points and a couple rebounds. Richards added another 4 to his total to finish with 20 for the night and seven rebounds, while Connor Finch led in scoring with 25 points and four rebounds.

Times Observer Photo by Cody Elms Sheffield's Connor Finch drives to the hoop during the Wolverines’ 60-48 win. Finch led Sheffield with 25 points.

“He spent a lot of time growing up around the game,” said Copley of Richards. “He’s taking a huge leap forward this year. Scoring, playing defense, and most of all stepping up and being a leader. Connor Finch played great tonight. He did excellent. Defensively he stepped up tonight and did his job.”

“Offensively he attacked the boards like we’ve been asking him to,” Copley added. “Get at the basket and finish. He did a fantastic job tonight.”

SHEFFIELD (60)

Finch 12 1-3 25, Richards 6 2-4 20, McNeal 4 3-5 11, Silvis 0 2-4 2, Mott-Macalush 1 0-1 2, Hardwick 0 0-0 0, Barr 0 0-0 0, Madigan 0 0-0 0, Richards 0 0-0 0, Kyler 0 0-0 0, Mahlic 0 0-0 0, Totals 23 8-17 60.

TITUSVILLE (48)

Wheelling 6 1-3 13, Perez 5 2-3 12, Colon 0 0-0 9, Fratus 0 0-0 6, Durstine 1 0-0 2, Thomas 1 0-0 2, Neely 0 0-0 0, Leonard 0 0-0 0, Tenney 0 0-0 0, Blakeslee 0 0-0 0, Carpin 0 0-0 0, Totals 13 3-6 48.

3-point goals – Richards 2, Colon 3, Fratus 2.

Sheffield 17 13 10 20 — 60

Titusville 17 7 8 16 — 48