photograph by: Kim North
Wheeling Central’s Max Olejasz (24) scores two of his 16 factors Friday night time in opposition to Linsly on Coach Skip Prosser Court contained in the Wheeling Central Athletic Center in East Wheeling. The Maroon Knights moved to 13-0 with a 73-58 victory earlier than a standing-room-only crowd.
EAST WHEELING – Friday night time was deja vu from three nights earlier for the Wheeling Central boys’ basketball group.
The Maroon Knights (13-0) held a 47-45 margin over visiting Linsly after three back-and-forth quarters, however, as soon as once more, Eli Sancomb bailed them out. The Liberty University recruit netted 20 of his 36 factors within the remaining panel because the hosts pulled away from the Cadets, 73-58, on Coach Skip Prosser Court earlier than a standing-room-only crowd contained in the Wheeling Central Athletic Center.
The 6-5 Sancomb, who had 21 of his 32 within the fourth quarter Tuesday night time at Monroe Central, was 8-for-11 from the charity stripe through the remaining eight minutes and 9-for-13 for the sport. He additionally made 13 subject targets from a wide range of spots on the ground.
“Being able to get Eli to the foul line helps a ton. If we get to where we can spread it (our offense) out and let him drive to the basket off screens, he’s really good at finding open guys when he doesn’t get fouled,” veteran Wheeling Central head coach Mel Stephens stated. “We didn’t play anywhere near our best, but a lot of the credit goes to Linsly. They did what they had to do to make it a game.”
When requested if the large highway win at Monroe Central had one thing to do with the way in which his group performed, Stephens rapidly replied, “No. People say that on a regular basis, however it’s been a few days now, and these children know that after that recreation is over, it’s performed and we now have to prepare for our subsequent one.
“We’ve got some things to work on and we’ll get back at it tomorrow,” he added. “We need to try and get a little better each day.”
The Cadets (6-10) hung powerful on the surface capturing of Mason Liebelt. The southpaw drained 5 three-point targets to complete with 15 factors. His fifth trey, early within the fourth quarter made it a 49-48 recreation in favor of the hosts, however they’d then go on a 11-0 run that sealed the deal. Sancomb scored the primary six earlier than Stephen Brodegard adopted up his personal miss and Max Olejasz meshed a pair of free throws.
Linsly received as shut as eight down the stretch, however Sancomb tallied the ultimate 13 Maroon Knight markers.
“He’s the best player in the state for a reason,” first-year Linsly head coach Bubby Goodwin stated of Sancomb, who additionally charted 15 rebounds, 5 assists and a pair of steals. “I enjoy watching him play and I’ll enjoy watching him in the future.”
Joining Sancomb in double digits was Olejasz with 16. Luke Sancomb and Brodegard every added eight. Olejasz simply missed a double-double with 9 boards.
In addition to Liebelt’s 15 factors, Biram Ndiaye and Nolan Smith scored 16 every.
“We missed a lot of easy shots … a lot of bunnies,” Goodwin stated. “We gave up a lot of 50-50 balls and missed a lot of free throws. You’ve got to be able to do the little things.”
Wheeling Central, the No. 1 seed, subsequent performs Tuesday night time at house in opposition to fourth-seeded Martins Ferry within the OVAC WVU Medicine Boys Basketball Championships. Linsly will host Wheeling Central on Feb. 17 contained in the Stifel Fieldhouse.