Western Wayne’s boys basketball team turned in a solid all-round effort in this weekend’s Lackawanna League clash with Montrose.
The Wildcats welcomed the Meteors to the Varden Garden Friday evening and proceeded to give Division III’s top-ranked team all it could handle.
Coach Kenny Hemmler’s lads played a tireless, physical brand of defense in the opening two quarters.
In fact, the ‘Cats held Montrose to just 16 points and took a surprising 21-16 lead into the lockerroom at intermission.
Sean Sheridan and Nic Baldo each played key roles for Western Wayne.
Sheridan ruled the post, scoring a team-best 14 points on the night. Baldo was nearly as impressive with 12 markers.
Sadly for the big partisan crowd, Montrose quickly turned the tide early in the third period. The Meteors stormed back onto the floor and went on a 13-0 run in taking the lead for good.
Coach Hemmler burned a pair of timeouts in a desperate attempt at stemming the tide...but, it was too late.
Montrose outscored its host by a 21-9 third quarter margin, then cruised to an eventual 53-44 victory.
With this win, the Meteors created a 4-way logjam atop the division standings. Elk Lake, Lackawanna Trail, Mountain View and Montrose all sport identical 3-1 records.
The disappointing loss dropped Western Wayne to 2-2 in second half action.
Next up for the ‘Cats is a Tuesday night road trip to Trail and a battle with the Lions. Opening tip is set for 7:30 p.m. at Tunnel Hill.
WW (7-12, 2-2) 44: Sheridan 5 1-2 14, Baldo 4 2-2 12, Karabin 2 0-0 6, Smith 1 0-0 3, Botjer 0 2-3 2, Brooks 2 2-2 7.
MON (18-3, 3-1) 53: Charles 0 2-2 2, Squires 2 1-2 5, Stranburg 3 4-4 12, Major 4 0-0 8, Wheaton 3 0-0 8, Volk 8 2-4 18, Liddick 0 0-0 0, Lewis 0 0-0 0.
Score by Quarters...
WW 6 13 9 14 - 44
MON 8 10 21 16 - 53
