Brian Hagberg
SHEFFIELD, Pa. – Sheffield had to wait an extra day to start its season, but did so with a split against North Clarion and Saegertown at the Sheffield Tip-Off Tournament on Saturday.
The annual season-opening tournament had to be modified a bit this year as Port Allegany was scheduled to be the fourth participant, but withdrew due to the football team appearing in the PIAA semifinals on Friday. Down to three teams, the schedule was changed so North Clarion and Saegertown played on Friday (Saegertown won 63-51).
Saturday’s schedule was changed so Sheffield first played North Clarion, followed by JV contests, and closing with Sheffield against Saegertown.
SHEFFIELD 51, NORTH CLARION 40
Leihden Wotorson led a trio of players in double figures as Sheffield topped North Clarion, 51-40, in its first game of the Sheffield Tournament.
Wotorson knocked down four 3-pointers on his way to 16 points for the Wolverines. Lucas McNeal had 11 points and seven rebounds and Connor Finch had 10 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks in the win.
Aidan Hartle led North Clarion with 17 points, while Andy Costner had 11.
SAEGERTOWN 72, SHEFFIELD 56
Saegertown responded to an early deficit by dominating the second and third quarters before holding off a late Sheffield rally for a 72-56 win in the Sheffield Tournament.
The Wolverines started the game with an 8-0 run, and led 17-14 after the first quarter. The Panthers then proceeded to outscore Sheffield 17-9 and 21-6 in the second and third quarters, respectively.
Sheffield pulled within seven with 1:35 to play in the game, but Saegertown was able to close out the victory to go 2-0 in the modified tournament (Port Allegany withdrew due to the football team playing in the PIAA semifinals on Friday).
Brady Greco led the Panthers with 21 points. Collin Jones had 18 points, and Zach Yoder finished with 14.
Connor Finch paced the Wolverines with a game-high 25 points, 14 rebounds, four steals, and three assists and Lucas McNeal had 13 points and five rebounds.
