HS BASKETBALL: Bears fall in state quarterfinals, 64-44
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - Lancaster Mennonite's David Weaver blocks a shot by Mahanoy Area's Jace Yedsena.
SHILLINGTON, Berks County – Stifling, lopsided fouls, coupled with a strong Blazer defense, brought the Golden Bears’ state title hopes to an end in suburban Reading Saturday afternoon.
The District XI Champion Mahanoy Area squad faced the Blazers of Lancaster Mennonite School at Governor Mifflin Intermediate. The Blazers, the District III champions, are a private school from East Lampeter Township, just outside Lancaster City.
The 18-8 Blazer squad blocked nearly every early shot the 22-4 Bears took early in the first quarter. Lancaster Mennonite opened up a sizable lead early, as Mahanoy found themselves in foul trouble early as well.
Lancaster held a 16-7 advantage after one, and, as the team fouls evened out in the second quarter, so too did the score.
Mahanoy started to find success shooting, closing the gap to 28-22 at halftime.
The second half would see more foul trouble for the Bears, and Mahanoy would continue to fall behind, trailing by 17 at the end of the third.
Lancaster Mennonite secured the victory by a score of 64-44, moving on to face Holy Cross in the 2A state semifinals.
The Bears end their season with a 22-5 record and a District XI title.
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