Falcons steal road win from Mustangs
In a game which James Hairston failed to lead Connellsville in scoring for the first time this season, the Falcons still proved they may indeed by the cream of Section 2-AAAA’s crop. Kevin Bell led all scorers with 24 points, 12 of which came in the decisive third quarter, as Connellsville stole a road win over Laurel Highlands, 69-56, Tuesday night.
The victory leaves the Falcons (9-0, 3-0) in control of Section 2-AAAA, heading into a home contest against winless Albert Gallatin Friday.
“Now, we just have to keep winning and stay in control,” Connellsville coach Nick Bosnic said. “Everyone on the team is working hard, and things are going well now.”
Hairston added 19 points, below his season average of 26.6, but impressive considering he was held to two baskets at the half. Laurel Highlands contained Hairston, who is 30 points away from 1,000, with Andre Ramsey most often guarding the junior forward.
But the tactic left other Falcons with open looks, most notably Bell. Bell had eight points in the first quarter as Connellsville raced out to a 17-9 lead and he also nailed a game-high three treys.
“The rest of the guys are getting better,” Bosnic said. “James takes a lot of pressure off them by just being on the court. And Kevin Bell is getting better each game. We knew coming into the season he had the talent to do well.”
Chad Burton chipped in 13 points, all but five in the second half.
Laurel Highlands (4-3, 1-2) closed the first half with a 10-0 run, started by a Kenny Riddell basket and finished by eight straight points from J.T. Stefanik. But turnovers – the Mustangs had 22 – and an 18-6 Connellsville run to open the third quarter proved too much to overcome.
Riddell opened the third quarter with a three-point play, and Corey Nesser’s drive into the lane put Laurel Highlands ahead, 34-33, 1:30 later. But over the next 4:35, the Falcons outscored the Mustangs, 13-0.
“It was a combination of things tonight,” said Laurel Highlands coach Mark John. “Connellsville had a great game plan and it executed it well. They just flat-out beat us. I have no blame to go around except for myself. And their kids took their game plan from paper and put it to work on the court.
“I was proud of the way our kids fought back in the first half. This is an extremely great bunch of kids. They never threw in the towel and they kept getting at it.”
Paul Briczinski led the Mustangs with 18 points off the bench, including eight in the second quarter when Laurel Highlands rallied to tie the game. J.T. Stefanik added 10 points, but was held scoreless in the second half.
“They have kids who can fill their roles extremely well,” John said of the Falcons. “They’re well-coached and they knew what they wanted to do and did it. Connellsville is in pretty solid shape right now in the section. They won twice on the road, and they look like the team to beat.”
Nesser chipped in 10 points, while Riddell finished with nine.
Laurel Highlands returns to action Friday, hosting Ringgold.