New Castle nearly blew a 12-point lead with just 1:30 to play before icing the game at the foul line in a nonsection win over Butler.

“We got sloppy at the end,” Red Hurricane coach Mark Stanley said.

The game was one of five contests held to benefit Harry’s Army Foundation for New Castle public address announcer Harry Dattilo, who is battling myelodysplastic syndrome. The disease is a form of leukemia with which he was diagnosed in the fall of 2005.

“One thing about New Castle is they rally around their own,” Stanley said. “It’s a good cause to help him out.

“I know (Harry) really enjoys announcing and being a part of it. It was a nice night and people were very giving.”

Tyrone Steals and Rodney Parchman notched 15 points each to lead the ’Canes. Parchman added eight rebounds as well.

Bob Swartwont posted a game-high 20 points for Butler, 10 of which came in the first quarter, as the visitors took a 16-11 lead after one frame. Parchman and Stephen Richardson took turns guarding him after the first quarter.

“Parchman and Richardson did a nice job on Swartwont,” Stanley said.

New Castle competed in WPIAL Section 3-AAAA action last year before dropping to Class AAA. The ’Canes won all three of their games against former section rivals with the decision over Butler.

“It’s nice to get those wins; out of section play is different than section play, certainly,” Stanley said. “It’s nice to keep the rivalries and keep those games.

“We always felt like we could compete in the section. The wins are for later on if you make the playoffs. They look good on your resume.”