LS 45 Hempfield 38: Wrap

Written by: Dell Jackson on December 7, 2022

LS 45 Hempfield 38

Some were calling this game a re-match of last’s years LL finals, which LS won at the buzzer.
However, it’s a new year with some differences. First, you have home-court advantage to LS,. Second, LS does not have the dynamic guard, Ty Burton, from last season. Third, LS had 2 games under their belt, whereas, Hempfield was playing its first game of the season. Both teams have been top dogs in their sections recently. One never knows what to expect on a key early season game.

As typical with early games, the first period gave us little in the scoring department. Both teams were running their offense and probing for some easy buckets. LS continued its reliance on the three-ball as they have for the past 5 years. Miguel Pena popped a three-ball for the Hempfield Knights to start the scoring. A Ben Troyer, 6’3″ jn, old fashion 3-point play gave Hempfield an early lead at 6-3. Ben Wert, LS 6’1″sn, scored on a drive. Dean Herr nailed a three- ball giving LS an 8-6 advantage. Michael Hester’s 3 ball was the last points the Knights would score in the quarter. Luke Hines (LS), 6’3” sn. ended the the scoring for the Pios with a nice post move. The period ended with LS up 10-9.

LS used a 3-2 match up zone for a good part of the second stanza. Basically it slowed the game down for both teams. Hempfield moved the ball around looking for good jumpers. LS’ Brady Grau, 5’10 frosh, gave the Pioneers a 16-11 lead at the 3 minute mark of the second. The Pios extended their lead to 21-14, but the Knights answered with a huge three ball by Nick Deeg.
21-17 at the break.

Adjustments and spurts were on display in the last two periods. The Knights stormed back by taking the ball to the basket- layup, layup, drive, foul shot and a follow not only erased the LS lead but gave the Knights a 26-21 advantage. A Ben Wert drive would stop the bleeding- for a bit. Hempfield went on another run. This time 8-1 and led 34-28 heading into the fourth. Hempfield garnered a 17-7 period advantage.

Adjustments and spurts. This time it was LS’ turn. The Pios ran off an 8-0 run featuring three-balls by Wert and Dean Herr, 5’10 jn. Game on at 36 all at the 3:47 mark of the 4th. Luke Hines would start taking over the defensive boards giving LS several chances on the offensive end. Herr nailed another three ball : 39-36 LS with 2:45 showing on the clock. Troyer would make 2 fouls shots at the 2:36 mark- the Knights last points of the game. A layup by Smucker, a Wert drive, and 2 fouls shots by Smucker finished off the contest. LS had a 17- 4 period advantage.

Unofficial stats
Rebounds: LS 32 Hempfield 24
Turnovers: LS 8 Hempfield 5
Blocks: LS 1 Hempfield 4

Points:
LS- Ben Wert 12, Chase Smucker 12, Dean Herr 11
Hempfield – Ben Troyer 12, Michael Hester 9

LS player of the Game- Luke Hines, double digits in rebounding.