Boys Hoops - Derry Tournament

December 07, 2019

Ligonier Valley and Nazareth Prep Notch Wins on Derry Boys Hoops Tournament Day 2

Saturday brought another full day of basketball as most local teams experienced their second day of tournament action. We traveled to Derry Area to catch the second day of the Chuck Smith Tip-Off Classic, featuring boys teams from Kiski Area, Ligonier Valley, Nazareth Prep, and host Derry. In the tournament's Friday action, Nazareth Prep beat Ligonier Valley 89-52 in the early game, and Kiski Area topped Derry 88-61 in the nightcap.

Saturday, December 7 Results

Ligonier Valley 66, Kiski Area 47

Ligonier Valley recovered quickly from Friday's 37-point loss in the tournament opener to put four players in double figures as they beat Kiski Area 66-47 in the 5 PM game.

The Cavalier's trailed Ligonier Valley by only 2 points after one quarter of play, but the Rams turned a 34-27 halftime advantage into a 53-41 margin after three. A 13-6 Rams scoring advantage in the final quarter kept the Cavaliers from narrowing the Rams margin of victory, as Ligonier Valley picked up their first tally in the win column of their new season. Both teams left the Derry tournament sporting records of 1-1.

Kyle Silk led the Rams with 19 points, while Michael Marinchak was right behind with 18. Isaac Neidbalson and Jaxon Ludwig each contributed 11 for the Rams. Kiski Area was led by Lebryn Smith's 13 points, followed by Kenny Blake with 12 and Jason Baker with 11.

Nazareth Prep 78, Derry Area 56

Derry Area hung with a much taller Nazareth Prep team for a majority of the first half, even holding a 14-13 lead over the visiting Saints with under 6:30 left to play in the second quarter. But the height and speed of the Saints eventually took a toll on the Trojans, as Nazareth Prep opened a 32-16 halftime advantage before cruising to a 78-56 win in the tournament's 7 PM game.

The Saints were led by Nehemiah Brazil with 18 points, followed by Will Taylor with 17 and 11 from both Isaiah Thomas and Jaden Gales. Aidan Bushey had 18 points for the Trojans, with Tanner Nicely chipping in for 11.

Nazareth Prep sports a 2-0 record in the new season while Derry is looking for their first win after two opening-weekend losses.