Fast-starting PT shoots down Trinity
By Dave Whipkey
For the Observer-Reporter
newsroom@observer-reporter.com
Getting off to strong starts was a recipe for success for last year’s Peters Township boys basketball team. The formula was so good that the Indians used it all the way to the Class 5A WPIAL finals and a deep run into the PIAA tournament.
It looks like this year’s edition of the Indians are finding that same flavor as Peters Township took a short drive south to Trinity on Friday night and administered an 82-43 defeat to the Hillers in Class 5A Section 1.
The Indians’ pressure defense led to eight first-quarter Hiller turnovers. It also resulted in a 22-1 run to open the game and essentially led to an early knockout of the Hillers.
“That was something we were looking to do was come in here and throw the first punch,” Peters Township coach Joe Urmann added.
Peters Township forced 23 turnovers in total and lit up the scoreboard with 17 total three-pointers.
“That’s something we can’t do,” Trinity coach Tim Tessmer noted. “We were just too soft with the ball and gave it away too easily. Can’t do that against a team that’s as good as them.”
Peters Township (3-1, 9-4) was led by Jack Dunbar who scored 24 points. Cameron MIlls and Dylan Donovan chipped in with 16 points apiece while Sean Thelk added 12, all on three pointers.
“We challenged (Thelk) in the offseason to become that elite shooter for us off the bench,” Peters Township coach Joe Urmann said. “And he’s done that. He’s a super kid, super kid. Not only that he guards really well. To be able to bring a guy like that off the bench is a real luxury for us.”
Trinity (1-3, 6-7) was led by Jacob Dunkle and Dante DeRubbo who each finished with 14 points. Kaden Hathaway added 10.
Peters Township knocked down seven three pointers en route to a 25-6 lead at the end of the first quarter. Thelk’s second three midway through the second quarter extended the lead to 35-12 as the Hillers attempted to climb back into the contest.
Dunkle scored 12 of his 15 points in the second quarter but it was not enough to stem the tide as the Indians increased their advantage to 52-26 at the half. Thelk dropped three three-pointers to help the Indians swell their lead.
“We really shot the ball well tonight,” Urmann added. “This can be a tough place to play and we responded really well.”
Urmann also noted the well-rounded play of Mills as he not only scored but was a spark of energy for the rest of the squad.
“I think Cam was our spark tonight,” Urmann said. “He was a spark emotionally, made some hustle plays and knocked down some threes. Found guys that were open and is always hunting the right play.”
What the Indians are hunting now are two big home games this week. Tuesday is a date against section rival Bethel Park while Friday the Indians host neighborhood rival Mt. Lebanon.