A few minutes earlier when the game was a bit more chaotic and Loyalsock was trying to mount a comeback, Kenon Brown pulled the ball out, calmed his team down and helped produce a tide-changing basket.

Beagle provided the thunder, Brown the serenity and together they helped Williamsport secure some coveted local bragging rights. Beagle scored a career-high 22 points and collected a double-double; Brown brilliantly ran the offense and both ignited a third-quarter blitz as Williamsport defeated Loyalsock, 60-44 Thursday in front of a crowd which filled the Magic Dome. Williamsport (4-1) won its fourth straight game and snapped a three-game losing streak against the defending Class AAA state champions, outscoring them 36-21 in the second half.

“It feels amazing,” Beagle said. “We really wanted to win this game. We were taking it seriously all practice.”

“We came out and played as a team,” Brown said. “We didn’t beat them the last three years, so we’re just glad we came out and pushed and got the win.”

George Whaley (10) of Williamsport and Saraj Ali (4) of Loyalsock try for a rebound at Williamsport High School Dec. 23, 2021. Williamsport won 60-44. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Beagle and Brown did the strongest pushing. Coach Allen Taylor received quality contributions from all nine players he used and his bench provided some excellent minutes. Still, Beagle and Brown formed a dynamic tandem and dramatically changed the game’s complexion during a 21-point third-quarter.

The two seniors combined for 15 points in that key stretch. But it was more than their scoring. Beagle made a steal and blocked a shot which led to four quick points. Brown also turned two steals into four points and Williamsport staggered Loyalsock, building a quick 15-point lead. Loyalsock (2-2) never stopped battling, but also never pulled within single digits again.

All-state forward Saraj Ali scored 21 points for Loyalsock, but no other Lancer reached double figures. After opening the season against Berks Catholic and Trinity, Loyalsock faced another tough opponent against Williamsport and is hoping that will pay dividends as the season progresses, especially with four new starters in this year’s lineup.

“They were just more physical than us. Mentally, they were better prepared for this type of competition,” Loyalsock coach Ron Insinger said. “We knew coming in we needed the best game possible, like an A game, to able to beat them and we didn’t get that. It’s a learning curve. The kids will come around. They’re resilient.”

Loyalsock led 15-11 after the first quarter and the first half featured eight lead changes. George Whaley closed the half, making a nifty pass to Beagle for a last-second basket. That offered a preview of what was coming as Beagle unloaded his entire arsenal and Williamsport started making its big move.

Kenon Brown (3) of Williamsport puts up a shot as Matt Worth (13) of Loyalsock at Williamsport High School Dec. 23, 2021. Williamsport won 60-44. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

A season after showing promising flashes, Beagle put everything together against Loyalsock and showed why he could be such a difference-maker this season. The Lancers had no answer for the 6-foot-5 forward who produced 16 of his 22 points in the second half while finishing with 11 rebounds, five blocks and three steals. Using effective post moves and running the court well, Beagle made 8 of 10 second-half shots and gave Loyalsock problems in all areas, pulling down nine of his rebounds and blocking three shots.

“He did a little bit of everything. He rebounded, blocked shots and he protected the rim,” Williamsport coach Allen Taylor said. “That was definitely the game we needed from him tonight and I’m happy for him. Hopefully, this will build his confidence, and not just his confidence, but his teammates’ confidence in him because he’s open a lot and we’re hoping this will have them looking to get him the ball more.”

“I put in a lot of hard work this summer. I just stuck with it,” Beagle said. “I got a little time last year and I knew we were losing a lot of good seniors. I knew I had to step up.”

So did Brown. And the senior point guard continues doing so.

It was not just that Brown produced impressive numbers, scoring 13 points, grabbing six rebounds, dealing five assists and adding four steals. It was how Brown did that and how he led the team. Whenever Loyalsock was surging or whenever Williamsport started to get out of sorts, Brown was the one who put it all back together.

Elijah Frierson(24) of Williamsport puts up a shot as Saraj Ali (4) of Loyalsock tries to block it at Williamsport High School Dec. 23, 2021. Williamsport won 60-44. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

After making strides as a junior on last year’s district finalist, Brown has taken another step forward and continues delivering in crucial spots. He drained nine fourth quarter free throws in a win against York, hit a buzzer-beating, game-winning jumper against Scranton Prep and made a huge impact on the fourth quarter against Loyalsock without scoring a point.

“I think I’ve improved because I facilitate and get my teammates open. I can also create space for myself to score,” Brown said. “I like giving my teammates opportunities and getting them open, so the team can’t focus on me. They’ll have to focus on all my teammates.”

“Kenon really plays an all-around team game. When we were a little erratic at times, he really settled things down in that second half for us,” Taylor said. “When it comes to crunch time he’s been a player who’s been pretty solid for us.”

Williamsport’s defense has been rock solid all year. The Millionaires held a fifth straight opponent to fewer than 50 points and never let Loyalsock feel comfortable. In addition to forcing 18 turnovers, Williamsport also made Ali work hard for everything he earned, holding him to 13 points until the game’s final four minutes.

Defense created offense and Williamsport outscored Loyalsock, 21-6 during the game-changing third quarter. The Millionaires allowed just two field goals during that time and have surrendered 29 second-half points in their last two victories.

Kenon Brown (3) of Williamsport and Saraj Ali of Loyalsock dive for a loose ball at Williamsport High School Dec. 23, 2021. Williamsport won 60-44. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

“I think we worked on the defensive end, we bring energy on the defensive end, good things will happen on offense,” Beagle said. “We’re a transition team, so we stop them defensively and get out and run.”

Williamsport ran its offense well, too. Although the Millionaires are still growing offensively, they played their best game against Loyalsock and lost just eight turnovers. The Millionaires methodically worked for good shots during long stretches and unselfishly moved the basketball. It also helped that Williamsport played with such energy, controlling the boards and scoring 10 points off offensive putbacks.

Nayim Connelly-Ali (6 rebounds) set the tone in the game’s opening minute, turning an offensive board into a 3-point play for the game’s opening points. Elijah Frierson scored five of his 13 points during the second quarter and his steal and layup was part of a key sequence which put Williamsport ahead to stay. Whaley (5 rebounds, 2 assists) shined off the bench and seven players produced at least one assist.

“It was good. We came out and played as a team. We were communicating on defense; executing on offense,” Brown said. “I like to thank Coach T because during practice he pushes us and he makes sure he’s working on our defense. He just pushes us to be better.”

LOYALSOCK (44)

Elijah Frierson (24) of Williamsport puts up a shot against Loyalsock at Williamsport High School Dec. 23, 2021. Williamsport won 60-44. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Saraj Ali 9 3-6 21, Brendan Clark 2 0-0 4, Nate Bauman 1 0-0 2, Jayden Andrews 3 0-0 7, Matt Worth 3 0-3 7, Tyler Gee 0 0-0 0, Gage Patterson 1 1-2 3. Totals 19 4-11 44.

WILLIAMSPORT (60)

Kenon Brown 6 0-0 13, Elijah Frierson 6 1-3 13, Xavier Taylor 1 0-0 2, Nayim Connelly-Ali 1 1-1 3, JJ Beagle 11 0-0 22, Jamaire Harden 0 0-0 0, George Whaley 2 1-2 5, Caleb Fausnaught 0 0-0 0, Jakhi Kline 1 0-0 2. Totals 28 3-6 60.

Loyalsock 15 8 6 15 — 44

Williamsport 11 15 21 13 — 60

3-point goals: Loyalsock 2 (Andrews, Worth); Williamsport 1 (Brown).

Records: Williamsport (4-1), Loyalsock (2-2).

Jeffrey Beagle (33) of Williamsport blocks a shot by Jaylen Andrews (0) of Loyalsock at Williamsport High School Dec. 23, 2021. Williamsport won 60-44. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

George Whaley (10) of Williamsport puts up a shot against Loyalsock at Williamsport High School Dec. 23, 2021. Williamsport won 60-44. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette