Pottsville Rolls Past Nativity, Advances to Schuylkill League Semifinals

Pottsville used a dominant defensive effort and balanced scoring attack to power past Nativity, 64-21, in the Schuylkill League Boys Basketball Quarterfinals Saturday night at Martz Hall.

After a competitive opening quarter, the Crimson Tide took control for good, outscoring the Hilltoppers in every frame and pulling away with a strong second and third quarter surge to secure a spot in the league semifinals.

Nativity opened with energy, keeping pace early behind senior Trey Keating, who accounted for nearly all of the Hilltoppers’ offense. Nativity trailed just 14-11 after the first quarter.

But Pottsville quickly tightened its defense and went on a 17-4 second-quarter run to create separation. The Tide continued to apply pressure in the third, pouring in 21 points to extend the lead to 52-20 entering the final period.

Pottsville’s Balanced Attack

Senior guard Christian Alvarez led all scorers with 22 points, consistently finishing inside and converting at the foul line.

Davey Kunstek added 16 points, while Ryder Bowers knocked down three 3-pointers on his way to 11.

Additional scoring came from Christopher Hobbs, Colin McGinley, Juleon Bainbridge, Josh Kimber, and Colton Oswald, as Pottsville’s depth overwhelmed the Hilltoppers.

Nativity Effort

Keating carried the scoring load for Nativity with 18 points, including 12-of-17 shooting from the free-throw line. Marc Lutzkanin added the team’s only other field goal, while Layne Pasker chipped in a free throw.

Despite the loss, the Hilltoppers showed fight throughout against a deeper Pottsville squad.

What's Next

Pottsville advances to Wednesday's Boys Semifinal where they will face the Schuylkill League Division 2 Champion, Tri-Valley.

Nativity's season isn't done yet either. They will take the time off to recuperate and prepare for the District XI Class 1A Tournament where they are ranked 3rd. 

Team	1Q	2Q	3Q	4Q	Final
Nativity	11	4	5	1	21
Pottsville	14	17	21	12	64

Player	FG	FT	Points
Pottsville
Christian Alvarez	9	4-4	22
Davey Kunstek	6	4-5	16
Ryder Bowers	4	0-0	11
Colin McGinley	2	0-0	5
Christopher Hobbs	1	0-0	3
Josh Kimber	1	0-0	3
Juleon Bainbridge	1	0-0	2
Colton Oswald	0	2-2	2
Nativity
Trey Keating	3	12-17	18
Marc Lutzkanin	1	0-0	2
Layne Pasker	0	1-2	1