“We have confidence in everybody on the team,” said Sheffield head coach Jordan Copley of his team dealing with both foul trouble and an injury to improve to 2-1. “Like I said at the beginning of the year, that’s exactly what we are, we’re a team. So, when we come in, there’s not a doubt in my mind that any five guys on the court are capable of doing what’s needed to win.”

Leihden Wotorson dropped 6 of his 12 points in the first quarter, while Dylan Hardwick and Allen Eaton both added 5 apiece to lead 20-11.

“We got behind early,” said Youngsville head coach Lonny Moore. “They didn’t hang their heads. I asked them to dig deep. We settled down, we started playing good, disciplined defense, getting better looks at the basket, and we just kept fighting and clawing, but we just didn’t take care of the little things tonight.”

The Youngsville defense was able to take advantage of a Wotorson-less Wolverine team, as the junior had gotten into foul trouble early. Cash Moore and Rylan Benton both sunk a 3-pointer, while Rodney Rowland added 3 points himself, resulting in the Eagles being able to stay within striking distance, down 29-22 at the half.

Sheffield’s Allen Waton looks for an open Wolverine during Tuesday night’s 48-41 boys basketball win over Youngsville. Times Observer Photo by Cody Elms

Benton in the third quarter would nail his third from beyond the arc, leading the charge back, heading into the fourth down 33-32. Benton finished with 11 points. Nathan Lucks was the Eagles’ top scorer with 13.

“Just a team effort,” said Moore “They played good defense. They have good athletes on Sheffield. Once we identified them, we started shutting them down, and that’s what allowed us to climb back in it.”

Sheffield raised the tempo of its offense in the fourth, focusing on pushing the ball up the court and establishing a transitional advantage, resulting in an Alex Richards’ basket early, and an Eaton 3-pointer, followed by Hardwick scoring 6 of the Wolverines’ next 8 points to extend the lead over their cross-county rival.

“Youngsville played a very physical basketball game, and we knew right away that we were going to have to match that energy to be able to compete,” said Copley. “You have to match the energy that’s being played by the other team. And if they’re going to let you play that style of basketball, you’ve got to be willing to play that style.”

Hardwick and Eaton both finished with a team-leading 14 points. Hardwick also had eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Eaton led the Wolverines with three steals. Colby Barr pulled down 12 rebounds.

The Eagles look to bounce back Wednesday night on the road against Titusville, while the Wolverines will be vying for their third straight win, hosting Smethport on Friday night.