TURBOTVILLE–Often, when practice ends, Ethan Balzer is just starting the grind. The work continues and he stays long after the final whistle blows, refining his skills.

He is tall, quick and versatile but that anecdote provides the main ingredient when looking at how Balzer has made such a giant area splash early this season.

And Saturday against Jersey Shore, Balzer kept paddling ahead, scoring a game-high 21 points, grabbing seven rebounds and making 10 of 12 shots while helping Warrior Run produce an impressive 70-34 win. Aiden McKee collected his fourth double-double (21 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists), four players scored in double figures and Warrior Run (4-0) continued its blazing start, winning its fourth straight game via mercy rule, this one against a quality 4A team.

“I put in a lot of time working for this,” Balzer said. “I worked hard for it, so I was ready to go this year. I was ready to have my year.”

He is having it in a big way thus far. The senior forward is averaging 17.5 points and eight rebounds per game, while also helping ignite a stifling defense which has held three consecutive opponents to 34 or fewer points.

Griffen Harrington started at the power forward spot a year ago when Warrior Run won 21 games, reached the District 4 Class AAA championship and the state tournament’s Sweet 16. But the Sun-Gazette Baseball Player of the Year is focusing on baseball this season, leaving a void.

Balzer has admirably filled it, taking the baton after being a valuable reserve last winter and helping Warrior Run sprint forward. He used all the moves in his toolbox against Jersey Shore (2-2), scoring those 21 points by early in the fourth quarter and not missing his second shot until a tap in fell short on his final possession.

“He’s a wonderful person first off, but his work ethic is just insane. He doesn’t stop,” Warrior Run coach Eric Wertman said. “I’m super happy for him because he put in a lot of work.”

McKee earned all-state honors last season and already has more than 1,200 career points and 900 rebounds. The 6-foot-8 center commands attention but Balzer’s emergence is providing Warrior Run another strong interior weapon. It showed immediately, too, when Balzer opened the season with 25 points and 10 rebounds in an 84-49 win against Central Mountain.

What makes those two a terrific tandem goes beyond the stats, too. It is the chemistry they have built and the way they see the game. Both did good work setting the other up for baskets throughout the game and the inside duo combined to make 19 of 25 shots.

“The rapport between he and Aiden just keeps getting better and better,” Wertman said. “They look for each other all the time and share the basketball. It’s really fun to watch.”

“I think we’re working together really well. We’re finding each other when we’re open,” Balzer said. “It’s definitely helping all of us, not just one person.”

Highlighting that, four starters scored in double figures and Carter Sheesley shined off the bench, scoring six first half points. The Defenders have made big strides in each of the last three seasons and the bond developed during that time has even evident throughout these first four games.

It certainly was against Jersey Shore as Warrior Run brilliantly moved the basketball inside and outside. The main rotation shot 65 % from the field and rarely forced bad shots. Combine that with some excellent defense and Warrior Run controlled the game from the start, building a 22-4 first quarter lead and imposing the mercy rule on a Polcyn 3-pointer with 2 minutes, 31 seconds remaining in the third quarter.

“They camaraderie and togetherness are at a whole different level,” Wertman said. “They genuinely want to succeed as a team and just want to work to get the best shot possible. It’s super fun to coach when they are mature and unselfish like that.”

Jersey Shore did make a run in the second quarter as Carson Watkins caught fire and scored 12 of his team-high 16 points. At one point, Watkins made five straight shots, including two 3-pointers and Jersey Shore cut a 22-point deficit to 12.

Just as quick, though, Warrior Run regained its momentum and squarely put Jersey Shore on the ropes, scoring six straight points in the half’s final 50 seconds. A McKee steal led to Polcyn finding McKee on the elbow for a buzzer-beater and the Defenders went up, 39-20.

Warrior Run then quickly landed the knockout blow in the third quarter as Balzer and McKee went 7 of 7 from the field and the team 9 of 12. As the offense opened up, the defense closed off scoring opportunities and allowed just 14 second half points.

“I think we all influence each other to be better players,” Balzer said. “We all get into a groove together during the games and we all kind of feed off each other.”

Keifer made three steals, and McKee blocked three shots, while altering many more. Balzer, Polcyn and Carter McCormick are well-rounded defenders who can guard just about every position, giving Warrior Run a mix of height, quickness and versatility.

That mix proved potent in the opening quarter when Warrior Run allowed just one field goal, forced six turnovers and built its 18-point advantage.

Jersey Shore showed some brief flashes in that second quarter, but Warrior Run never let them become a flame. By the time, the Bulldogs made their first third quarter field goal, Warrior Run led 48-23.

It was the second game in two nights for Warrior Run, but it hardly looked fatigued. Now, Warrior Run prepares for Wednesday’s showdown against Lewisburg. Those teams will enter that game a combined 8-1.

“We’re just going to keep going hard all season,” Balzer said. “We’re going to keep pushing and, hopefully, keep winning.”

And Balzer already has shown that he certainly will keep working.

JERSEY SHORE (34)

Jacob Lorson 0 0-0 0, Khani McCray 3 2-2 8, Landon Lathan 0 0-0 0, Ty McDermit 1 0-0 2, Tucker Hanna 1 0-0 2, Carson Watkins 6 1-2 16, Breylan Guerrero 2 0-0 4, Kaihl Harlan 0 0-0 0, Orrin Pennycoff 1 0-0 2. Totals 14 3-4 34.

WARRIOR RUN (70)

Aiden McKee 9 2-2 20, Ethan Balzer 10 1-2 21, Landon Polcyn 4 2-2 11, James Keifer 2 5-8 10, Carter McCormick 0 0-0 0, Carter Sheesley 3 0-0 6, Clayton Skokoski 1 0-0 2. Totals 29 10-14 70.

Jersey Shore 4 16 10 4–34

Warrior Run 22 17 25 6–70

3-pointers: Jersey Shore 3 (Watkins 3); Warrior Run 2 (Polcyn, Keifer).

Records: Warrior Run 4-0. Jersey Shore 2-2.