The Juniata Valley Hornets traveled to take on the West Branch Warriors on Wednesday, December 20th, 2023.
After winning the tip-off, Juniata Valley started very hot. A three-pointer from Hornet Jett Rand kickstarted a 7-0 run to start the game. A bucket from Owen Koleno got the Warriors on the board. After a few buckets from both teams, a deep three-pointer from Lukas Colton would set the score to 11-10 Hornets. A two-point jumper from Juniata Valley was quickly followed by a corner three from Zack McGonigal to tie the game at 13 apiece. Two foul shots and a quick layup from Joel Evans put the Warriors up 5.
After two scores from the Hornets, the Warriors went on a 9-0 run including a Dylan McGonigal three-pointer to go up 28-18. Finally, the Hornets responded with a two-point floater, but West Branch’s Zack McGonigal drained a three-pointer from the wing to put the Warriors up 31-20. Then after 6 points from both teams, Dylan McGonigal made another three-pointer, followed by an Isaac Tiracorda layup to propel the Warriors to a 42-28 lead at halftime.
The Hornets struck first in the second half going on an 8-1 run. However, a block from Tiracorda followed by a Koleno and-1 gave West Branch the momentum and made the score 46-36. After an 8-4 run by the Warriors, Juniata Valley hit a three to notch the score to 54-40. After some buckets from both teams, an Evans and-1 ticked the score to 59-46.
Juniata Valley began the fourth quarter swinging, bringing the score within six points, 59-53. Then, a Koleno 3-pointer slowed their momentum. Following, Dylan McGonigal had a fast break layup, corner three, then another three, which gave the Warriors the big lead, 82-60. A Tiracorda putback and a Koleno 3 sealed the deal for the Warriors. Dylan McGonigal splashed another 3-pointer just for good measure. Ending the game, 95-73.
Dylan McGonigal commented on the Warriors’ success this season. “The season is going great. As the 6th man, I get more playing time than ever and I can get used to the style of play. I can’t wait to continue having the success we are having.”
Owen Koleno finished with 28 points and a whopping 21 rebounds. Dylan Mcgonigal tallied 21 points as he drilled five three-pointers. Isaac Tiracorda recorded a double-double with 19 points and 11 assists, as did Joel Evans with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
The Warriors (13-1) are back in action on Friday, January 19th, at Northern Bedford County (1-11) to take on the Panthers.
