Manheim TWP 51 Penn Manor 50: wrap

Written by: Dell Jackson on January 12, 2024

Manheim TWP 51 Penn Manor 50
January 11, 2024

The Manheim TWP Streaks (5-10 and 2-3) were coming off a double OT loss to unbeaten Section 1team, Cedar Crest. The Streaks missed some opportunities to win – foul shots, turnovers and fouls trouble hurt the cause. Coach Matt Johns stated, “We only played well for 3 quarters against Cedar Crest. Tonight we played well for 4 quarters.” In the other hand, Penn Manor (10-4 and 2-3) struggled early against Lebanon earlier in the week. The Comets were are full strength although Ethan Benne, 6’6” scoring machine, left the line-up a few times with a bloody nose. Basically a clean Section 1 game where each team had few turnovers (TWP 5 and PM 8).

TWP started off well as they were patient on the off end. Buckets by Sebastian Henson, Bennett Parmer, and Jordan Pettigrew gave the Streaks a 6-0 lead- a lead they would not give up until very late in the game. A Caden Young triple around the 2 minute gave the Streaks a 13-4 advantage. It seemed like the Comets were sleep walking, but actually they were just missing shots. TWP was battling on the boards as all the Streaks were doing their job to keep the taller Comets from getting put backs. Penn Manor would score the last 7 points (a three-ball by Micheal Lower and 2 fouls shots and a jumper by Benne) of the quarter to keep things interesting. 15-12 after one.

The Comets switched their defense to a 2-3 zone during the second quarter. Therefore, the Streaks were forced to hit jumpers. Although TWP didn’t score in bunches, they did hit jumpers in the period. All of TWP’s baskets in the second were on jumpers and 2 points on foul shots. TWP popped 3 triples in the period (Henson 2 and Tyler Gray 1). Penn Manor could not put a run together. Their last bucket was produced by a sweet spin move by Devin Figuero. 30-23 at the break.

Slowly, Penn Manor would cut the lead in the third. The Comets started to pound the ball inside using Dhamir Wesley, 6’6″ sn., and Benne. A Benne jumper around the 4 minute mark cut TWP’s lead to 2 and sent the home crowd into a frenzy. Enter Caden Young, 6-1” sn. Young calmly nailed a three-pointer to give the Steaks some breathing room. Not to be outdone, Penn Manor’s Andrew Gallion hit his own triple. 38-36 TWP favor at the 3:30 mark of the third. The Comets used a variety of trapping defenses at the half court mark- using Benne up top. TWP wasn’t getting as many open looks in this quarter. TWP scored the last 2 buckets of the quarter. 42-36 after 3.

Penn Manor kept up its trapping. TWP took their time looking for good shots. The Streaks stretched their lead to 47-38 at the 5:00 mark on a bucket by Tyler Gray. Henson was out with a leg injury, and it felt like deja vu from the Cedar Crest game as the Streaks were hanging on without Henson being on the floor. Henson did return, although he was hobbled. Were the Comets done? Nah…Benne popped a long distance three at the 3:59 mark, and Micheal Lower, 6′ jn., followed up with another three for the Comets. TWP was clinging to a 47-44 lead with 3 minutes to go. TWP missed 2 foul shots and missed some open shots to give Penn Manor a chance. The Comets took advantage as Benne made 2 fouls shots and with 50 seconds left on the clock, Benne made a tough scoop shot to give Penn Manor its first and only lead at 48-47. Timeout TWP. Twp going for the last shot? Maybe…In the post game interview Henson said, “Coach said to take a good shot. If it’s there take it.” Check on that one. Henson drilled a cold-blooded three with 30 seconds left to give the Streaks a 50-48 lead. Penn Manor went to Benne the next time down the floor, but the Streaks defense was up to the task as they collapsed around Benne and got a strip. Penn Manor fouled to put TWP on the line. Henson made one of 2 giving the Comets hope at the 6 second mark. The Comets got the ball to half court and called timeout. Penn Manor got off a game tying three ball, but it fell out. Penn Manor got the rebound and last second shot off inside the lane to end the game: 51-50.

Unofficial Stats

Points:
TWP: Sebastian Henson 17, Tyler Gray 13, Caden Young 10
Penn Manor: Ethan Benne 23, Michael Lower 10

Rebounds: TWP- 20, Penn Manor 25

Turnovers: TWP 5, Penn Manor 8 ( a very clean game by both teams)
TWP also had 14 assists in the game.