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Uniontown holds off Washington’s second-half charge

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Uniontown's Ray Robinson fires a pass while being defended by Washington's Tayshawn Levy during Wednesday's non-section game at AJ Everhart Memorial Gymnasium.

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Washington's Dan Ethridge puts in a shot while being fouled by Uniontown's Billy DeShields during Wednesday's non-section game at AJ Everhart Memorial Gymnasium.

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Uniontown's Ray Robinson sets up a play during Wednesday's non-section game against Washington at AJ Everhart Memorial Gymnasium.

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Uniontown's Billy DeShields puts up a layup during Wednesday's non-section game against Washington at AJ Everhart Memorial Gymnasium.

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Uniontown's Billy DeShields puts up a jumper during Wednesday's non-section game against Washington at AJ Everhart Memorial Gymnasium.

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Jonathan Guth/For the Observer-Reporter

Washington’s Zahmere Robinson drives to the basket for a layup during Wednesday’s game against Uniontown at AJ Everhart Memorial Gymnasium.

Uniontown held a 12-point halftime advantage and held off Washington for a 61-55 non-section victory on Wednesday at AJ Everhart Memorial Gymnasium in boys basketball action.

The Red Raiders (2-1) were coming off a tough overtime loss at Hempfield on Tuesday but showed no ill effects in jumping out to a 20-14 advantage in the first quarter, thanks in part to thyree-pointers by Caleb Palumbo, Jahmere Richardson and Ray Robinson, and many second-chance opportunities.

“It was a joy to see a physical team out there,” Washington coach Ron Faust said. “They are a very physical, aggressive basketball team that uses the talent they have and they get after you. We kind of have a soft streak in us. They controlled the boards and it is difficult to beat a team like that.”

Uniontown held a 14-8 advantage in the second quarter to push its lead to 34-22 at halftime. Robinson had all 11 of his points in the first half of three field goals, including two three-pointers, and was 3-for-4 at the foul line. The Red Raiders shot 17 of 23 at the line.

“The first half was probably the best half we’ve played in a long time,” Uniontown coach Rob Kezmarsky said. “We did a lot of good things last night, but we had a tough overtime loss. Unfortunately, we had to go with a different starting lineup in the third quarter because of the foul trouble, but I thought with Isaiah (Melvin) and (Bryant) Grady in foul trouble, I thought Javon Davis and Caleb Palumbo gave us great minutes.

“We didn’t come out with as much energy in the third quarter. The bottom line was in the first three games we played all tough, close games that is only going to help us. We are very fortunate to be 2-1.”

The Prexies (1-1) cut the deficit to 43-40 heading into the fourth quarter after outscoring the home team, 18-9, in the third.

Dan Ethridge added six of his game-high 19 points in the third as he was a force inside for the visitors. He made seven field goal and was 5-for-7 at the foul line. Washington shot 14 of 17 at the line. Teammate Zahmere Robinson had four of his 17 points in the third.

“Washington is used to winning,” Kezmarsky said. “Washington was coming out to get back in the game. They are one of the winningest programs in the WPIAL.”

The Prexies cut the deficit to two points three times in the fourth quarter, but Billy DeShields made four clutch free throws and Richardson scored inside with 10.2 seconds remaining for a 59-55 lead.

DeShields sank the final two free throws to ice the game.

DeShields scored a team-high 14 points on four field goals and was 6 of 7 at the foul line.

“Ray (Robinson) and Billy (DeShields) play so well together,” Kezmarsky said. “Billy fired some great passes to those guys. Billy will get a lot of attention from other teams.”

Richardson added 12 points on five field goals, including one three-pointer. Grady scored 11 to give Uniontown four players in double figures. Melvin had eight points.

“Besides Billy (DeShields), these kids have only played three varsity games,” Kezmarsky said. “Bubba (Robinson) played a lot of varsity last year, not in this role, but Jahmere (Richardson) played no varsity last year, Isaiah (Melvin) played a little bit and Bryant Grady didn’t even dress varsity last year. Grady has played three great games for us.

“We want to take four days of practice and work to get better,” Kezmarsky said. “There is a lot of things we want to improve on, but the intensity in the third quarter wasn’t there. You have to give our kids credit.”

Washington opens Section 4-AAA play Friday when it hosts Charleroi (2-1) at 7:30 p.m.

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