By Ron Poniewasz Jr.
New Castle News

A bid for an upset came up just short last night for the Shenango High boys basketball team.

The Wildcats battled with Aliquippa throughout the game but eventually dropped a 68-63 WPIAL Section 2-AA home matchup.

“We were down 14 at one point. We could have folded, but we kept battling,” Shenango coach Bob McQuiston said. “I was just proud of the effort.

“We gave them a game.”

Foul shooting proved to be the difference. The Wildcats (0-3, 1-5) were just 28 of 45 from the stripe, including 14 of 23 in the final frame.

“It comes down to foul shooting,” McQuiston said. “We were getting to the line but we weren’t making them. I’m still proud of the effort from the guys.”

Ryley Ferrari paced Shenango with 18 points and Brenton Booher was next with 13. James Jacobs and James Micco tossed in 11 markers apiece.

Shawn Queze Adamson netted 17 points for the Quips (2-1, 2-1). Aliquippa was 23 of 30 from the line.

“It was a real physical game,” McQuiston said. “I thought our guys did a real good job of taking care of the basketball.

“We did exactly what we wanted to do. We controlled the glass and limited them to one shot. We didn’t give any second shots in the second half. Everyone was boxing out.”