Quick start keys Lancers' victory
Neshannock (71) Vs. Riverside (62)
The Neshannock High boys basketball team set the tone early last night.
The Lancers scored the first 11 points of the game and made it hold up in a 71-62 WPIAL Section 2-AA victory at home over Riverside.
Neshannock fed off the early run and settled for a 17-9 lead after the first quarter.
“We got off to a great start,” Lancers coach John Corey said. “We came out strong and did a great job of pushing the basketball; some guys hit key shots during that stretch.”
Corey got a balanced effort as three Neshannock players hit double figures. Brandon Marinelli netted a team-high 23 points for the Lancers (2-1 section, 6-2 overall), 14 of which came in the first half. He added eight rebounds and three assists as well.
John Sansone chipped in with 17 markers and seven assists for the winners, while Nick Graziani contributed 10 points and six boards.
“I thought Marinelli and Sansone played very well on both ends of the floor,” Corey said. “I think Graziani had a strong game, too, overall.”
Jake Thellman led all scorers with 28 points for the Panthers (1-1, 5-5).
Neshannock is in a three-way tie with Summit Academy and Ellwood City Lincoln, all with identical 2-1 marks in the section.
“The section is so tough that it’s an absolute must to win the home games and steal at least a couple on the road,” Corey said. “The team that does that the best will win the section.”