Dec 28, 2015 3 min read

McMURRAY – Having the ability to get open opportunities is vital at every level of basketball. That was no exception Friday night for Peters Township, which got opportunity after opportunity with little resistance from Thomas Jefferson.

Those open looks, especially from three-point range, propelled the Indians to a win in their first-round game at the Peters Township Christmas Tournament against Thomas Jefferson, 89-58.

“Our ball movement is what we really focus on,” said Peters Township head coach Gary Goga. “That is when you are able to get open looks. I was happy with how we moved the ball tonight.”

Peters Township (7-2) capitalized on the open looks, connecting on 15 three-point shots.

Leading the scoring for the well-balanced Indians was 6-2 guard Nick Valentic, who scored 19 points. Kelson Marisa was also in double-figures for Peters Township with 11 points.

The Jaguars were paced by guard C.J. Mason’s 15 points, the only starter for Thomas Jefferson to reach double-digits.

“When our scoring is balanced, we are at our best,” said Goga. “We become much tougher to guard when everyone is knocking down shots.”

The hot shooting allowed the Indians to jump on Thomas Jefferson (4-6) for a 13-0 run to start the game.

Starting quick is something Peters Township will have to repeat tomorrow night as it will host Pine-Richland for the second time this season. The Rams defeated Washington in the opening game.

The two met in the Pine-Richland tipoff tournament to open the season, with the Indians coming away with a 69-67 victory.

“We got sloppy at the end of our first game with them,” said Goga. “We had a tough time closing out the game. We have to rebound really well and make them work for everything on offense.”

Pine-Richland 78, Washington 45: Pine-Richland used its size and athleticism, along with a 26-point performance from junior guard Andrew Petcash, to put away Washington, 78-45, in the opening round of the Peters Township Tourmamnent.

Washington (3-5) was paced by Markel Pulliam, who had one of his best performances this season, scoring 16 points. However, with the exception of Pulliam and forward Isaiah Robinson, who scored 14 points, the Prexies had a difficult time putting the ball in the basket.

“We missed 22 shots in the paint,” said Washington head coach Ron Faust. “We started to score in (the paint) and then just went away from it. We have to find a balance of scoring because we are already halfway through the season. We need to know who our scorers are and get them the basketball.”

Washington forward Nate Swart, a double digit scorer, was held without a field goal.

Phil Jurkovec added 16 points for the Pine-Richland (5-4).

“Athletically, we didn’t have the ability to match-up or challenge them unless we were able to get on the free throw line,” said Faust.