Former Youngsville Coach DeLoof Gets College Coaching Career off to Strong Start with Pitt-Bradford

BRADFORD, Pa. – Former Youngsville High head basketball coach Jesse DeLoof has got his college head coaching career off to a strong start with a pair of Pitt-Bradford victories.

DeLoof, who guided the Eagles to a state playoff appearance during his final season as coach in 2019-20, got things going with a 79-77 win over Houghton, a game in which St. Marys (Pa) High graduate Nathan Schneider grabbed 25 points and pulled down 14 rebounds on Nov. 9.

On Saturday, the Panthers were in another thriller, as they watched an 18-point point lead against Wells evaporate, but they were able to hold on for a 75-68 win. Schneider once again led the way with 23 points, while Caden Beldin (Cameron County High School graduate) had 12 points and 12 rebounds.

The Panthers didn’t play last season in DeLoof’s first year as coach due to COVID-19, but the former Pitt-Bradford standout as a player was able to get a lot accomplished.

The two wins to open the season already account for more than the Panthers had the last time they took the court in 2019-20, going 1-24.

The Panthers, who also feature 2021 Warren Area High School graduate Payton Barnes, return to action on Tuesday, hosting Juniata at 7 p.m.