Tyrone’s smothering defense proved too much for young Bellefonte squad

By Kenny Varner Jr.
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Updated: January 14, 2021

By Kenny Varner

BELLEFONTE – In their second game of the season, the young Bellefonte boys basketball team went through some growing pains Thursday as they fell to Tyrone 69-48 at the Red Raider gym.

After keeping things close in the first half, trailing 29-18 as the intermission got going, the Red Raiders were pressed and covered closely in the second half, leading to very few good looks at the hoop.

The Golden Eagles cranked up the transition game as they outscored Bellefonte 40-30 en route the the Mountain League victory.

“This is a very young team. No seniors on the team. Taking this program over this is my first year and we are teaching them a different style of basketball,” said Bellefonte coach Rich Hall. “It’s going to take time.”

In the first quarter, the RedRaiders went toe-to-toe with the Golden Eagles.

Starting off the game, the Raiders struck first, taking a 2-0 advantage.

Tyrone bounced back to score a triple by Jake Taylor and a lay up by Landen DeHaas to take the lead with 4:21 left in the opening stanza.

Nick Way cut it to a 3-point deficit as he snuck behind for a picture perfect back-door bucket.

After holding Tyrone on its next possession, the Red Raiders tied the contest at seven on a triple by Gannon Brungard that hit nothing but net.

Tyrone took back the lead minutes later as Brandon Lucas put his team up 9-7 on a 2-for-2 performance at the line.

Way cut it to one as he hit 1-for-2.

DeHaas ended the first period scoring with an offensive rebound, ending the first at an 11-8 contest.

Tyrone opened the second quarter pressing the young inexperienced Red Raider offense.

Back in transition, the Golden Eagles proceeded to into packing in the lane defensively.

When the dust settled in the half, Tyrone held an 11-point advantage.

Bellefonte was led by Way’s 6-point effort and teammate’s Ty Kroell five points.