Beth-Center ends season with win over Waynesburg
DEEMSTON – In their final home game, four Beth-Center seniors went out with a win as the Bulldogs defeated Waynesburg 60-40 in Section 5-AA play Friday night. The Bulldogs (5-17, 1-13) jumped out to an early 17-8 lead and never trailed after the first quarter.
“We thought, coming into tonight’s game, that we could put pressure on their guards,” said Beth-Center coach Barry Niemiec. “We were successful and were able to get a quick start.”
Waynesburg (6-18, 2-12) improved in the second quarter, scoring 13 points before the half after managing just eight in the first.
“I think the whole team came out a little flat,” said Raiders coach Aaron Ankrom. “We came out strong in the second quarter and played better.”
Waynesburg got no closer than within nine points after the first eight minutes. Subsequently, the Bulldogs went to work on defense.
“Our defensive pressure dictated what they could do on offense,” Niemiec said. “As a result, they could not get into a rhythm.”
Mother Nature also played a role in disrupting that rhythm.
“With school canceled early in the week, we couldn’t practice as much, so our timing and execution was a little off tonight,” Ankrom said. “But you just have to deal with it and Beth-Center played well tonight.”
Niemiec’s team played especially well on the boards, using their size advantage to grab the majority of the rebounds.
“We liked the match ups underneath, particularly in the third quarter,” Niemiec said. “Our big men controlled the boards tonight.”
Their control was so good that by the end of the game, two Raider starters had fouled out.
“It was a physical game, and our key guys got into foul trouble,” added Ankrom. “Beth-Center’s forwards were better suited to that physical style.”
The game was very physical, and both teams showed signs of frustration.
“It got a little chippy out there, but we settled our guys down,” Niemiec said. “We called a timeout and told them to back off and just play good fundamental defense.”
That defense held Waynesburg to six points in the third quarter, and by that time, the Bulldogs had a commanding lead. Ryne Niemiec scored six in the quarter and led all scorers with 25. Teammate Jeff Bodnar finished with 10.
Kenny Blackwell paced the Raiders with 13 points, while Sean Fancher and Wes Johnson chipped in six points apiece.
“We may not have many wins, but we built a lot of character this year,” Ankrom said. “Fortunately, we have a good base to build on for next year.”
The Raiders are finished for the year, but the Bulldogs play their final game at Jefferson-Morgan on Monday.
“A win is a win, but I’m just happy for the kids tonight,” Niemiec said. “But I like what Waynesburg does. They play very fundamental offense and are well coached.”