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MUNCY -- Muncy and Benton’s girls basketball team played an intensely close game on Wednesday as the home crowd was on the edge of their seats as Muncy secured a 39-36 victory.
For Muncy fans, the latest victory reinforced the team’s success in girls basketball this season as the Indians improved to 14-1, and overcame a height disadvantage against Benton.
"They had a height advantage on us, which I didn't think was going to matter that much, but it obviously did,” Muncy coach Craig Weaver said. “Going down the stretch, we relied on our defense, we got some key turnovers, and the last four minutes of the ball game we took care of the basketball."
In the first quarter, Muncy's strong defense was already clear, and they started with a 16-10 lead. Attempts to score by Benton were met with blocks, and players Anna Zalonis and Alexis McKeta both held the line to keep their team in the driver’s seat.
Ava Eyer led Muncy with a 12-point effort while Rosie Zalnois scored nine, Anna Zalonis added eight and McKeta scored six. Muncy also received four from Emma McCormick, who had a team-high 12 rebounds and McKeta grabbed 10 rebounds. Eyer was two boards shy of a double-double and had a team-high six steals while Rosie Zalonis had five steals.
Benton had one player reach double figures in Elaina Lockard (12). Bree Hess scored nine, Kayana Krall scored eight and Malaia Hart scored seven.
During the second quarter, Muncy maintained its lead, staying at a consistent six-point advantage. For the majority of the second quarter, the score stayed at 27-21 with Muncy ahead. However as the clock ticked down to zero, Rosie Zaloris scored a last-second 3-pointer at the buzzer and gave Muncy momentum heading into halftime.
In the third quarter however, Benton opened by chipping down the lead and the quarter ended with a closer 32-28 deficit as the Tigers stayed close. Despite Muncy's defense, Benton's strength and height began to wear them down, and Muncy missed quite a few throws in the quarter.
Muncy was held to just two third-quarter points as Benton outscored the Indians, 7-2.
During the fourth quarter, it looked even bleaker.
Muncy’s lead thinned even more and with only two minutes left on the clock, both teams were tied at 34-34. As Muncy’s crowd quieted, the Indians refocused their efforts. Both teams were limited to single digits in the fourth quarter as well as Benton out-scored the Indians, 8-7.
Zalonis scored a field goal to put Muncy back in the lead with a minute to play in the game. Muncy would add a few free throws late and held off Benton in the final minute to win by three.
"We missed a ton of shots. But you just keep shooting. You shoot 'til you win. They never quit hustling, but our defense in the end won the ball game,” Weaver said.
Muncy 39, Benton 36
BENTON (36)
Malaia Hart 3 0-2 7, Bree Hess 4 1-2 9, Elaina Lockard 6 0-0 12, Kayana Krall 3 2-4 8, Aubrey Koch 0 0-0 0. Totals 16 3-8 36.
MUNCY (39)
Ava Eyer 6 0-3 12, Rosie Zalonis 3 1-3 9, Anna Zalonis 3 2-2 8, Alexis McKeta 2 2-6 6, Emma McCormick 1 2-2 4, Hailey Ganoe 0 0-0 0, Rachel Paulhamus 0 0-0 0, Elizabeth Howard 0 0-0 0, Abby Neidermeyer 0 0-0 0, Madi Moore 0 0-0 0, Riley McLaughlin 0 0-0 0, Sophie Woodling 0 0-0 0. Totals 15 7-16 39.
Benton 10 11 7 8 -- 36
Benton 16 14 2 7 -- 39
3-point goals: Benton 1 (Hart 1), Muncy 2 (R. Zalonis 2).