Minersville erased an early deficit and survived a late push from Blue Mountain to secure a 50-47 victory Wednesday night at Martz Hall, punching their ticket to the Schuylkill League Championship.
Blue Mountain came out firing, building an 18-9 lead after one quarter behind strong perimeter shooting and aggressive play from Tyierre Meade. The Eagles controlled the tempo early.
But Minersville responded in the second quarter. The Battlin’ Miners tightened defensively and began attacking the rim, outscoring Blue Mountain 15-8 to tie the game at halftime, 24-24.
The turning point came in the third quarter.
Minersville exploded for 17 third-quarter points, fueled by Shazier Bethea and Jordan Bowers. Bethea knocked down two three-pointers and consistently got to the line, while Bowers dominated inside. The Miners took a 41-34 lead into the final quarter.
Blue Mountain made one last surge.
Meade, who finished with a game-high 20 points, connected on a pair of three-pointers and helped cut the deficit to one possession in the closing minutes. However, Minersville’s defense held firm down the stretch, converting key free throws by Camden Rogers to seal the three-point victory.
Bethea led Minersville with 19 points, while Bowers added 14. Camden Rogers chipped in 11 points, including three three-pointers.
For Blue Mountain, Meade poured in 20 points, while Cohen Werner added eight and Beck Henninger contributed seven.
With the win, Minersville advances to the Schuylkill League Championship game at Martz Hall to face Pottsville in their meeting of the season.
Photos by Jocelyn Barrett / Danie Mae Photography LLC
