H.S. BASKETBALL: North Schuylkill begins playoff push with 53-38 win over Pine Grove

Key Highlights

• The lead for the Spartans quickly grew in the opening minutes from 15-5 to 20-8, 24-8, and as large as 18 points at 28-10 with just over two minutes remaining in the half. Nelson tacked on five more points in the second quarter while Dylan Cairo contributed four points as part of a second-quarter in which the Spartans outscored the Cardinals 16-9 and headed into halftime ahead 31-17. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThroughout the opening 16 minutes, North Schuylkill was dominant on both sides of the ball.
• Offensively, getting clean, easy looks while defensively they completely frustrated Pine Grove, not allowing the Cardinals to set up or run their offense in any capacity. The strong defensive play created numerous turnovers while the Cardinals also struggled to find the bottom of the basket even on some of their better looks in the half. The third quarter, however, would be a different story for Pine Grove.
• Desperately in need of a big quarter, the Cardinals came out firing and full of confidence despite the sluggish first half and quickly chipped away at their 17-point halftime deficit. By the four-minute mark, the lead for North Schuylkill was down to just 12 points at 35-23.
• A minute later, it was just 10 and the Cardinals were able to get as close as eight points at 37-29 with 38 seconds remaining in the quarter, but a Cam Kacilowicz layup with 15 seconds to go extended the lead back to 10 and sent the game into the fourth quarter with the Spartans ahead 39-29. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNonetheless, Pine Grove’s offense posted 15 points in the quarter using a full-time effort, including five points from Hayden Felty, four from Dane Hannevig and three from Teagan Schneck Haines. Spartans’ coach Anthony Agosti chalked up the third quarter to his team’s growing pains as they continued to learn how to play with a lead.“This past year we won four games, so we really don’t know how to play with the lead or play as we’re winning,” he explained.
• “It’s just growing pains for us.