Allen Eaton tries to work through defenders in a 61-43 loss Wednesday night to visiting Kane. Times Observer Photo by Cody Elms

SHEFFIELD — There were no last-minute heroics or comebacks for Sheffield on Wednesday night, unlike a week ago when the now 4-7 Wolverines battled back to win the Sheffield Sports Boosters Holiday Tournament, as the Wolves got their revenge and then some, taking an early lead and never letting up until they walked out of Ralph J. Santo Gymnasium with a 61-43 victory.

“I had the conversation before the game that they were going to be hungry,” said Sheffield head coach Jordan Copley. “We knew that they were going to be hungry. We knew that we were going to have to match their intensity, but unfortunately tonight we weren’t able to do it.”

Sheffield was able to keep within striking distance, down five points at the end of the first quarter, but would give up eight in the first several minutes of the second until Dylan Hardwick was able to drop in a 3-pointer to cut the lead to 10. It appeared the Wolves’ ensuing timeout did them no good as Colby Barr responded with a difficult shot plus one to cut the lead to seven. However, unlike a week ago, Kane kept its foot on the gas, going on a 12-0 run to end the half, and carry a 36-17 lead into the third period.

“We just came out flat,” said Copley. “I think in the first half we shot 20% overall. You’re never going to win games if you can’t put the ball in the hoop.”

The Wolves increased their lead in the third, outscoring Sheffield 13-8. The Wolverines did put up 16 in the fourth, with leading scorer Hardwick hitting one of his three 3-pointers, but the hole was too deep to dig out of. Hardwick finished with 15 points. Allen Eaton had 11 points, while Leihden Wotorson, who dropped 26 on Kane a week ago, was held to 4. Barr and Austin Fiscus both pulled down seven rebounds each.

“I don’t think any of our shots were falling,” said Copley as the Wolverines went 3 of 15 from beyond the arc. “That’s the unfortunate part. I think Hardwick did make a few baskets and it was a good effort, but you can’t revolve around one player. We have five guys on the court that have to do their jobs. That way when one of them does have an off night, everyone else is operating and picking him up, and we weren’t able to do that.”

Kane’s Dane Anderson led the Wolves with 20 points, with 12 in the first half, followed by Sam Lundeen, who also scored 12 in the first two quarters, and 14 for the game.

Sheffield will travel to Elk County Catholic on Monday, but will play Kane again Jan. 25, with both teams now having a win over the other.

“Both teams are familiar with what each team’s trying to do in this game,” said Copley of the third time the two teams will meet in less than a month, “Third game should be interesting. I’d like to think that we’re going to show up and perform at a high level.”