Boys Basketball - Greensburg Salem vs Derry Area

December 16, 2022

Derry Area Boys Hold Off Greensburg Salem Surge for 81-68 Win

Derry Area opened a 21-point halftime lead, then held off a strong second-half comeback effort by Greensburg Salem, to notch an 81-68 non-conference win on Thursday, December 15, at Greensburg Salem.

After opening a 17-11 first quarter lead, the Trojans filled the rim in the second. Derry scored 29 points to Greensburg Salem's 14 to take a commanding 46-15 before the rubber ducks hit the floor at halftime. Derry was aided by six 3-pointers, including 3 by Ethan Frye, who had 18 in the first half, 15 of which came in the second quarter.

But if Derry owned the first half, Greensburg Salem could certainly claim the second. The Golden Lions chipped away at the deficit, outscoring the Trojans 19-16 in the third as their offense started to click and their defense turned up the heat. Trailing 62-44 with 8 minutes left to play, Greensburg Salem pressured the Trojans with a trapping defense, forcing numerous steals and turnovers off inbounds plays, and converting those opportunities into points. Braedon Leatherman scored 13 and Cody Rubrecht added 9 in the second half to lead the Lions effort.

Greensburg Salem closed to within 5 points at 71-66 with 2:30 to play, but Derry got 5 points in the next minute to end the Lions comeback. The Trojans outscored the Lions 10-2 over the final 1:45 to claim the 81-68 victory. Derry shot 10-for-12 from the free throw line in the second half, while Greensburg Salem was 5-for-9 in the half and 7-for-16 in the game.

Derry's Ethan Frye and Gabe Carbonara shared game-high honors with 23 points each. Nathan Papuga added 13 and John Wasnick 11 for the Trojans.

Greensburg Salem also had four players in double figures, led by Julian Stevens and Braedon Leatherman with 15 each. Ryan Burkardt had 12 and Luke Rullo chipped in with 11.

Derry (4-3) returns to action on 12/20 when they open section play at Deer Lakes. Greensburg Salem (1-4) gets back in action right away with a non-conference trip to East Allegheny on 12/16.