By Ron Poniewasz Jr.
New Castle News

Balance was a key for the Neshannock High boys basketball team last night.

Three Lancers reached double figures to lead the squad to a 68-54 win over Lisbon (Ohio) at the Covelli Centre in Youngstown.

The game was held at the fourth annual Lariccia’s See Them Rise High School Basketball Showcase, which is a two-day event.

Jake Rylott recorded a team-high 21 points for Neshannock (13-4), while Jim Powers provided a career-high 18 markers. Ethan Moose added 14 tallies.

“The more balanced we can be, the more successful we can be,” Lancers coach John Corey said. “Donald Colucci stepped up on Friday. (Last night), it was Powers. Rylott and Moose have been pretty consistent for
us.

“Having that third or fourth guy step in will always help out. We get very stagnant when we’re a one-headed monster.”

Powers’ previous career high was 11 points last season in a win over Wilmington. A junior guard, Powers drained five of the team’s 10 3-pointers, while snaring five rebounds.

“Powers has gotten a little additional time the last couple of games,” Corey said. “For him to have the type of night he did was pretty special.”

Moose contributed team-high totals of 12 rebounds, six blocks and four assists as well. Jimmy Medure added 11 boards to go with his five markers.

Neshannock led 14-12 after one quarter and 39-27 at the half. The Lancers were 21 of 50 from the field, including 10 of 22 from behind the arc.

Neshannock hit six of its 3-pointers in the second stanza in outscoring the Blue Devils 25-15 in the period.

“That’s a huge arena and it can lead to some shooting woes,” Corey said. “We shot the heck out of the long ball (last night).”

Austin Rotecki registered a team-high 19 points for Lisbon.

The Lancers (8-2 section) return to action at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow when they host section rival Riverside (6-4, 9-8).

“That’s a very important game for us,” Corey said. “We have to come out defensively and put in a good effort for 32 minutes.

“Riverside has a couple of guys that can flat out score. We’re going to
have to play great (tomorrow).”