High school basketball: Ringgold uses fast start to beat LH
High school basketball
Ringgold used a 10-2 run in the first quarter and pulled away in the second period for a 64-39 victory over Laurel Highlands on Thursday in the preliminary round of the WPIAL Class 5A boys basketball playoffs at Ringgold High School.
The Rams (14-9) advance to the first round of the district postseason, where they will play No. 2 seed Lincoln Park (17-7) on Tuesday. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. The Mustangs’ season ends at 13-9.
Ringgold had three players in double figures, as Dennis Hawkins and Takeo Tolliver scored 12 points each. Demetri Lowe added 11 points.
Luke Martin led Laurel Highlands in scoring with nine points.
The Rams’ run began when an offensive rebound led to a three-point play from David Wachinski for a 13-8 lead with 2:20 remaining in the first quarter. Chris Wilson and Hawkins scored on back-to-back baskets in transition before Jude Packrone scored for the Mustangs.
Wachinski nailed a three-pointer as the quarter came to a close with a 20-10 advantage for Ringgold.
Ringgold outscored Laurel Highlands 21-7 in the second quarter for a 41-17 halftime lead. The Rams had a 16-8 advantage in the third period, and with Ringgold’s starters off the floor in the fourth, the Mustangs had a 14-7 edge.
Brentwood 58, Beth-Center 41: Deng Mu, a 6-8 senior forward, scored 23 points and Brentwood made Beth-Center’;s stay in the WPIAL Class 2A playoffs a short one by beating the Bulldogs 58-41 in a preliminary round game Thursday night in a game played on the Spartans’ home court.
Brentwood (13-10), the No. 16 seed, advances to play top-seeded Jeannette in the first round Monday. It’s a rematch from last year’s first round.
Beth-Center ends the season with a 12-11 record.
The Spartans won the game with a strong first half. Brentwood forged a 31-16 halftime lead.
Beth-Center held an 18-16 scoring advantage in the third quarter to pull to within 47-34, but Brentwood opened the second half with a 10-2 spurt to pull away and secure the victory.
Xh’avier Nunez finished with 18 points for Brentwood.
Brayden Ozohonish led Beth-Center in scoring with 14 points and Parker Amos flipped in 10.