Sharon, Pa
If winning was part of their New Year's Resolutions, then the Men's Basketball team is off to a great start! The Shenango Lions defeated Bryant & Stratton (Rochester) on Sunday 96-89 in front of a solid home crowd at The FH Buhl Club.
Shenango had been coming off a challenging and difficult December. The Lions had dropped seven straight contests dating back to Nov 30th. The Lions did not let that stymie them as they welcomed back two key members; Fr. G Chris Williams and So. F Sincere Lopez both of whom started in Sunday's showdown.
The Lions got off to a hot start as both Williams and Lopez contributed from the onset to help lead Shenango to a 15-point lead at halftime 55-40. Jashun Cobb and D'Montez Owens helped pace The Lions early, with each hitting baskets from in the paint and beyond the arc. Malik Davis continued his recent hot streak as well grabbing 7 boards total and notching 13 points.
The Second half saw The Visiting Bobcats mount a comeback, led by So Marcus Zappia who would lead all cagers with 24 points. Zappia's play was impressive, but it could not equate the balanced attack from Shenango. Owens led the starters with 17 pts, and just as it had all season, Shenango's bench came alive. Malik Weatherington led all Shenango scorers with 18 pts, that is the first time this season that a bench player led all scorers. Much like Owens and Cobb, Weatherington found success from behind the arc and in the paint and grabbed five boards as well. DiMarius Hill contributed 10 points and Cam Brown punched in 8 points of his own.
Shenango's defensive play in both halves helped them to secure the victory. They registered 43 rebounds, 7 blocks, and 8 steals (which were converted into 10 pts off the forced turnovers.) Williams finished with 9 points and Lopez with 6 to help give the team a well-rounded attack from both the starters and bench players to come out on top 96-89.
This was the last non-conference game of the year for Shenango. They open league play this Friday when they travel to PSU Fayette for what will be the first of 11 straight conference opponents. The Lions will return home this coming Sunday to face Penn State Wilkes-Barre for a 3 pm tip!