“We knew they were good around the hoop,” said Sheffield head coach Jordan Copley. “They have quite a few kids that can play anywhere from 4 to 12 feet from the hoop and they did that today, and I think that’s where the majority of their baskets came from.”

The Flying Dutchmen’s Anthony Nedzinski and the Wolverines’ Allen Eaton both scored seven in the first quarter; however, the St. Marys senior guard had some help as Quin Gavazzi dropped six and Matthew Davis, Louis Nedzinski, and Ben Paul combined for six to put Sheffield in an early 18-11 hole.

Paul scored six himself in the second, while the Wolverines continued to struggle, ending the half down 36-20. The third belonged to the younger Nedzinkski, Louis, as the sophomore put up eight points and would go on to lead the Flying Dutchmen in scoring with 18. Anthony Nedzinski was close behind with 17.

“The conversation I had with them at the half was that no matter the situation you’ve got to want to play this game,” said Copley. “That first half, we were flat. The gym was quiet. A lot of different factors going in. There was just no energy on our side.”

Times Observer photo by Cody Elms Sheffield’s Allen Eaton looks to a find an open teammate in the first half of a 69-51 loss to St. Marys.

Sheffield was able to outscore St. Marys 20-16 in the fourth, with Leihden Wotorson hitting two 3-pointers and scoring eight of his team leading 18. Dylan Hardwick scored nine of his 11 in the second half. Wotorson and Allen both had four assists.

Sheffield will host Brockway on Wednesday.