Commodores upend Brownsville again, 67-62
Holly Tonini
Brownsville’s Ryan Novotney (11) goes in for a layup as Frazier’s Zack Poling (32) defends during Friday’s game at Frazier High School in Perryopolis.
Frazier's Alvin Ross (11) drives the ball down court while being pressured by Brownsville's Daquan Woods during Friday's game at Frazier High School in Perryopolis.
Frazier's Roger Cline (3) tries to get space after stealing the ball from Brownsville's Deshawtae Bell (42) during Friday's game at Frazier High School in Perryopolis.
PERRYOPOLIS — Lightning struck for the second time on Friday when Frazier defeated Section 5-AA champion Brownsville, 67-62. The Falcons’ only section losses came at the hands of the Commodores.
“We’re undefeated at home,” said Frazier coach Ed Keebler afterwards. “These guys have so much pride. They stayed under control, got big rebounds, passed (the ball) well, played good defense and didn’t give up second, third, or fourth chances.”
Though disappointed in the outcome, Brownsville coach Brian Brashear said the loss didn’t take any of the luster off the Falcons’ first section championship since 1999.
“Frazier is a good basketball team and they played a real good game. We just didn’t take care of the ball in the first quarter.”
Brownsville lost senior guard Carl Dellapenna to an unknown leg injury that occurred while he drove to score a basket in the second quarter. Brashear said Dellapenna’s absence may have had an impact on the outcome.
“Carl is a shutdown defender and usually makes three or four steals a game. We had to shuffle our defense (after the injury).”
Frazier (10-4, 14-7) took an early 8-3 lead on a free throw by Alvin Ross, 3-point basket by Caleb Cox, and baskets by Charles Manack and Roger Cline.
Brownsville (12-2, 13-7) battled to invoke the first of only two ties at 8-8 on a basket by Ryan Novotney, a free throw and basket by Nick Despot, and a trey by Dellapenna.
Frazier closed the quarter with an 8-4 edge on Cox’s second trey of the quarter, a trey by Manack, and two free throws by Tyler Kennedy, while Brownsville got a pair of baskets by DeShawtae Bell as the Commodores led 16-12 at the first break.
The hosts built a 25-16 lead early in the second quarter before Bell scored twice around an odd three-point play when Dellapenna injured his leg while scoring and being fouled, requiring Cole Novotney to shoot and sink the ensuing free throw.
Leading 25-23, Frazier surged to a 28-23 lead, but the Falcons closed with a 6-2 run on a Cole Novotney free throw, a basket by Bell, and Cole Novotney’s trey to end the half with Frazier leading 30-29.
After Cline and Manack scored to open the second half, Ryan Novotney scored twice and a basket by Despot gave Brownsville its only lead at 35-34.
Cline answered with a trey 11 seconds later to regain the lead for Frazier, and Manack scored six of his game-high 24 points to lead a 14-6 run that put Frazier on top 51-41 heading into the final eight minutes,
Brownsville kept cutting into the lead and got within two at 64-62 on a basket by Bell with less than a half minute to play. But, a basket by Kennedy and free throw by Manack ended the game with Frazier ahead 67-62.
“I know Brownsville won the section, but they had two losses and both were to us,” Keebler said. “To be one of the best teams you’ve got to be able to beat the best teams and Brownsville has got a lot of talent.”
Frazer joins Brownsville, Charleroi, and California as section representatives in the upcoming WPIAL playoffs.
Along with Manack, Cox was in double figures with 16 points and Cline added 11 points. Bell scored 17 points to lead the Falcons, Cole Novotney scored 14 and Despot added 13.