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The Wellsboro Varsity Boys Basketball team’s season came to an end on Saturday, March 7 with a 42-40 loss to Mahanoy Area in the first round of PIAA State playoffs.

The Hornets and the District 11 champion Golden Bears were very evenly matched, but Mahanoy Area pulled the game out in the end. The Golden Bears’ strong outside shooting got the Hornets down 14-4 early and they held that lead after the first quarter. Wellsboro’s shots started falling in the second quarter and they outscored the Golden Bears 16-9 to trail 23-20 at halftime.

Wellsboro’s shots continued to fall in the third quarter as they outscored the Golden Bears 11-7 in the quarter to take a 31-30 lead heading into the final frame. Mahanoy Area erased the Hornets’ lead in the fourth quarter and both teams battled back and forth until the final seconds.

The Hornets were looking to win their first state playoff game in 20 years as the score was tied at 40-40 with time runing down in the fourth quarter. Mahanoy Area held for the last shot and with under five seconds remaining on the clock, the Golden Bears’ Matthew Yedsena drove baseline and hit a jumper over the outstretched arm of Senior Michael Pietropola to give the Golden Bears the 42-40 victory.

Pietropola led the Hornets with 17 points and four rebounds. Senior Jake Mitchell had six points and six rebounds, Senior Kieron Smethers finished with five points and grabbed 11 rebounds, Junior Dawson Prough pitched in five points, Sophomore Jacob Singer had three, and Sophomore Brandon Lamphier and Freshman Quinn Henry each added two points.

Pietropola ends a great senior year with 464 points, good enough for eighth all-time in a single-season. The senior also finished with 1,186 career points. Smethers ended his career with 830 points, 672 rebounds, and 147 blocked shots, and Mitchell ended his career with 124 points and 181 rebounds.

The loss ends the Hornets’ season at 19-7. WellsboroAthletics.com would like to congratulate the team on a great year, and thank Michael, Kieron, and Jake for all their hard work and dedication during their careers.

More information on the Hornet’s season on WellsboroAthletics.com!