The Deer Lakes boys’ basketball team achieved a remarkable triumph against their rivals, Burrell, securing their second consecutive WPIAL Class 3A championship. Head coach Albie Fletcher attributed the team’s success to their familiarity with the opponent, having secured two regular-season wins against Burrell.
As the top-seeded team, Deer Lakes demonstrated dominance on the boards, outrebounding Burrell 38-23. They also displayed composure at the free-throw line, converting 14-of-22 attempts, with 8 of 13 successful conversions in the crucial fourth quarter. Senior guard Billy Schaeffer led the scoring with 20 points and seven rebounds, with support from sophomore Collin Rodgers, who contributed 12 points, including three crucial free throws in the final 30 seconds. Junior forward Nathaniel Moore also played a pivotal role, securing an impressive 16 rebounds for the team.
On the opposing side, Burrell’s senior shooting guard Macky Bennis delivered a commendable performance with 17 points. Despite being the 11th seed, Burrell defied the odds by defeating higher-seeded teams to secure a shot at dethroning Deer Lakes.
The game was a closely contested battle, with Burrell taking the lead in a hotly contested first quarter. However, Deer Lakes mounted an impressive comeback before halftime, closing the second quarter with a 13-0 scoring run to take a 21-17 lead.
The second half saw Deer Lakes maintain their lead, with Burrell managing to narrow the gap to just two points in the final minutes. Crucial plays and free throws by Collin Rodgers and Billy Schaeffer sealed the 55-49 victory for Deer Lakes.
With their WPIAL championship secured, Deer Lakes now looks ahead to the PIAA tournament, where they will face the fourth-place finisher in District 10. Meanwhile, Burrell’s journey continues as they are set to face the third-place finisher from District 6.
The thrilling game showcased the competitive spirit of high school basketball, with Lancers senior Wayne Love acknowledging the significance of the hometown rivalry and the electric atmosphere it created.
In conclusion, Deer Lakes’ commendable performance and victory against a resilient Burrell team truly exemplify the essence of high school basketball at its finest.
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