The Tri-County High School basketball teams closed out the regular season on a positive note, sweeping Newtown-Harris at home in Jamesport. The Lady Mustangs picked up a 55-37 win and the Tri-County boys completed the sweep with a 72-59 win.
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Girls
The girls game saw Tri-County race out to a 12-7 lead in the first quarter and win a close second quarter by a point to give the Lady Mustangs a 25-19 halftime lead. In the third quarter the Lady Mustangs really did damage, outscoring the Lady Tigers, 18-5. With a large lead, the Lady Mustangs were able to coast through the final frame, winning by 18 points.
“I’m proud of how our team played tonight on senior night,” Tri-County Head Coach Chad Sullenger said. “We’ve got a great group of leaders and I think that they’ve been key in our improvement as a team throughout the year.”
Tri-County was led by Briana Hixson, who had 10 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Paiten Hamilton added 10 points and five rebounds. For Newtown, it was Mercedes Foster leading the way with 19 points and Becca Johnson added 18.
The win moved Tri-County to 8-17 on the season. The Lady Mustangs will kick off district play in Eagleville against Princeton on Monday. Action tips off at 7:30 p.m. The Newtown girls face Green City Monday night in their district opener. That match-up begins at 7 p.m.
Boys
The boys game was close throughout the first half. Tri-County led 18-13 after the opening frame, but Newtown battled back, cutting the lead to 29-27. Tri-County opened the second half with a 19-13 run in the third quarter, but this time the Mustangs didn’t allow Newtown to close the gap in the following frame. Newtown racked up 19 points in the fourth quarter, but Tri-County tallied 24, sealing the win.
“We had a hard time stopping them from penetrating in the first half,” Sullenger said. “We did a better job in the second half of contesting shots in the lane.”
Myles Dustman led Tri-County with 21 points, 12 rebounds and six steals and Reuben Gingerich finished with 16 points and 16 rebounds. Trenton Troyer hit double figures as well, giving the Mustangs 12 points and five assists. For Newtown it was Adam Crawford scoring 28 points and Micah Busick finishing with 16.
The Mustangs improved to 15-10 with the win and will face Gilman City for the fourth time this season in the opening round of the district tournament Tuesday in Eagleville. That game will tip off at 6 p.m.
The Newtown boys will face Green City in their district opener in Meadville. That game tips off at 8:15 p.m. Monday night.