Geibel Catholic runs away from Frazier
CONNELLSVILLE – Geibel Catholic remained unbeaten in the early season, by running away from long-time rival Frazier for a 73-42 win Tuesday night at the “Swamp.” The Gators (3-0) placed four players in double figures with Mike Speelman leading the way with a game-high 15 points, all from three-point range.
He was followed by Mark Gira and John Maczko with 11 each and Mitch Erdely with 10.
Matt Brown paced the Commodores with 14 points, and Greg Johnson added 12.
“It was a typical Frazier-Geibel atmosphere early in the ballgame,” Gators coach Ken Misiak said. “Frazier always comes in here ready to play, and so do our kids. We started to get the feel of the game and kicked it in a little bit with our press in the second half and took them out of the game somewhat.”
Frazier (1-4) took control of the game in the first quarter, holding an 11-10 lead with Brown scoring five and Johnson, four to lead the Commodores.
The Gators took control of the game in the second quarter, outscoring the Commodores 19-4.
Geibel took a 14-11 lead on consecutive baskets by Erdely and Mario Fragello, before Brown scored for Frazier to pull the Commodores back to within one.
Geibel’s Josh Brown hit for two straight scores, increasing the Gators’ lead to 18-13.
Johnson scored for Frazier, but the Gators then went on a 10-0 run to close out the half, taking a 29-15 lead at the intermission.
“Geibel completely outplayed us tonight,” Frazier head coach Larry Mikesell said. “There’s not much more to say about it. All you have to do is look at the scoreboard.”
Frazier tried to chip away at the lead with a quick start in the third quarter.
Mark Gira dropped in a three for Geibel to start the quarter, but the Commodores charged back with eight straight points to cut the Gators’ lead to nine, making the score 32-23 in favor of the Geibel.
Geibel then outscored Frazier 16-6 with Gira leading the charge with nine points during the burst, giving the Gators a 48-29 lead after three quarters.
“We’re starting to learn how to play the game,” Misiak said. “I was pleased with the way the press worked in the second half, but there are still some flaws we have to work out. They’re starting to realize the value of it, and how to move to make the defense work.”
The Gators continued to pour it on in the four quarter, outscoring the Commodores 25-13, with Erdely getting seven and Maczko adding five before Misiak dipped into the bench to close out the contest.
The Gators return to section play Friday night, hosting Mapletown, while Frazier will be on the road for a section game against Trinity Christian.