LISTER, SULLIVAN COMBINE ON FIVE-HITTER; LEAD ATHENS TO 7-0 WIN OVER NP-MANSFIELD

LISTER, SULLIVAN COMBINE ON FIVE-HITTER; LEAD ATHENS TO 7-0 WIN OVER NP-MANSFIELD

May 9, 2022 Tim Birney

MANSFIELD — Juniors Mason Lister and Cameron Sullivan combined on a five-hit shutout to lead Athens to a 7-0 win over North Penn-Mansfield here Monday afternoon in NTL Large School Division baseball action.

Lister, who pitched a complete-game four-hitter in his last start, tossed 5 2/3 innings to earn the win, allowing three hits, while striking out nine and walking one.

Sullivan allowed two hits, while striking out two and walking one in 1 1/3 innings of relief.

Athens took a quick 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning.

Senior Karter Rude led off the game with a single, stole second, and scored on a two-out outfield error off the bat of Lister, who scored on an RBI double by junior Lucas Kraft.

Senior Kaden Setzer, J.J. Babcock, and Dylan Merritt led off the second inning with consecutive singles to load the bases. With two outs, Sullivan looped a two-run single to right field to make it 4-0.

Athens added an unearned run in the third inning, then tacked on two runs in the fifth in a rally highlighted by an RBI single by J.J. Babcock.

Kraft doubled twice, scored one run, and drove in one run, while Babcock singled twice, scored one run and knocked in one run, and Setzer singled twice and scored two runs to pace Athens at the plate.

Sullivan singled and scored two runs in the win, while Rude and junior Jaren Glisson each singled and scored one run, Merritt added a single, and Lister scored one run.

Cam Fabian was 3-for-3, and Hunter Thompson had two hits to account for all five of NP-M’s five hits.

Athens, now 11-7, returns to action Tuesday at Lansing.

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NP-LIBERTY BESTS ATHENS, 9-4, DESPITE MACIK'S TWO HOME RUNS

NP-LIBERTY BESTS ATHENS, 9-4, DESPITE MACIK'S TWO HOME RUNS

May 9, 2022 Tim Birney

MANSFIELD — Athens senior Caydence Macik belt a pair of solo home runs, but North Penn-Liberty ace Mackenzi Tice held down the rest of the line-up in a 9-4 win here Monday afternoon in NTL Large School Division softball action.

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CANTON PULLS AWAY LATE IN 10-3 WIN OVER ATHENS

CANTON PULLS AWAY LATE IN 10-3 WIN OVER ATHENS

May 5, 2022 Tim Birney

ATHENS — Canton scored five runs in the top of the sixth inning to blow open a close game en route to a 10-3 win over Athens here Thursday afternoon in NTL softball action.

“For five innings it was a ballgame,” said Athens coach Mickey Farrell. “Again, though other than Aliyah (Butler) and Emma (Renninger), no one was swinging the bat well, but we were making enough plays to give us a chance, and then like many times this year defensively we fell apart.

“Savannah (Persun) threw a pretty good game, but we’re allowing the other team too many opportunities to score because we just can’t make the play when we need to,” added Farrell. “You can’t give a good team like Canton extra outs because they will and did take advantage of it.”

The Lady Wildcats took an early 2-0 lead in the first inning, highlighted by an RBI single by senior Aliyah Butler.

Canton got on the board in the top of the third inning with one run, and took a 3-2 lead with two runs in the fourth innings.

The Lady Warriors’ big fifth inning game them a 8-2 lead after 5 1/2 innings.

Butler belted a lead-off double in the bottom of the sixth inning, and eventually scored to close the gap to 8-3.

Canton provided the final margin with two runs in the top of the seventh inning.

Butler was 3-for-3 with a double, one run scored, and one RBI, and Emma Renninger singled twice to account for five of Athens’ six hits.

Freshman Jules Pack singled and scored one run for the Lady Wildcats, and freshman Ella Coyle scored one run.

Athens, now 7-9, returns to action Monday against North Penn-Liberty.

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 WALKER, FRIEND LEAD ATHENS TO WINS OVER NEB, NP-M IN FINAL DUALS OF SEASON; BRONSON BREAKS SCHOOL RECORD IN 1,600

WALKER, FRIEND LEAD ATHENS TO WINS OVER NEB, NP-M IN FINAL DUALS OF SEASON; BRONSON BREAKS SCHOOL RECORD IN 1,600

May 3, 2022 Tim Birney

ATHENS — Senior Hannah Walker won four events, and junior Cassy Friend was a triple-winner to lead Athens to regular-season closing wins over Northeast Bradford and North Penn-Mansfield here Tuesday afternoon in NTL track & field action.

On Friday, freshman Sara Bronson established a new school record in the 3,200-meter run. On Tuesday,  junior Emma Bronson broke a long-standing school-record in the 1,600-meter run.

Emma Bronson finished second in the 1,600-meter run in a school-record time of 5:24.94, breaking the record of 5:27.2 set by Julie Young in 1986. Sara Bronson finished third in 5:25.4, which also broke the record.

“The 1600 was a tremendous race tonight,” said Athens coach Mike Bronson. “(NEB’s) Gracelynn Laudermilch, Emma, and Sara all ran really well, working together to all set PRs and a school record for Emma.”

Overall, Bronson was pleased with his team’s performance.

"The girls had a very solid meet tonight,” said Athens coach Mike Bronson. “We had a lot of girls set PRs, so we are definitely headed in the right direction leading up to NTLs and Districts.  

“Cassy Friend had a great meet,” he noted. “The throwers came through once again — Olivia Bartlow had a nice PR in the shot … and Hannah Walker had a great day.

“Now, we have 10 days until the NTL meet,” he added. “We will get back to work to sharpen up for the league meet and then districts.”

Athens amassed 106 points, while North Penn-Mansfield tallied 33 points, and NEB had 31 points.

Senior Olivia Bartlow, junior Emma Bronson, sophomores Mya Thompson and Thea Bentley, and freshman Sara Bronson were double-winners for the Lady Wildcats.

Hannah Walker won the 100-meter hurdles in a time of 17.44 seconds, and sophomore Emily Henderson was second in 18.21 seconds. Walker also won the 300-meter hurdles in 49.73 seconds, and Henderson was second in 1:08.29.

Hannah Walker teamed with Henderson, junior Jenny Ryan, and freshman Addy Wheeler to win the 400-meter relay in 56.49 seconds.

Hannah Walker also won the 200-meter dash in 28.26 seconds, while Friend was second in 29.09 seconds, and Ryan was fourth in 30.6 seconds.

Friend won the 400-meter dash in 1:04.84, and Thompson was second in 1:07.45.

Friend led a sweep in the long jump with a leap of 14-feet, 2-inches, while senior Taylor Walker was second at 13-feet, 11 1/2-inches, Ryan was third at 13-feet, 9 1/2-inches, and Thompson was fourth at 13-feet, 8-inches.

Emma Bronson won the 3,200-meter run in a time of 13:13.59, and Sara Bronson was second in 13:13.64.

The Bronsons teamed with Friend, and Bentley to win the 1,600-meter relay in a time of 4:52.08.

Bartlow won the shot put with a heave of 31-feet, 6-inches, while sophomore Emma Pernaselli was second at 30-feet, 4 1/2-inches.

Bartlow also won the discus with a toss of 94-feet, 9-inches, and Pernaselli was third at 78-feet, 7-inches.

Thompson won the triple jump with a mark of 31-feet, 4-inches, and Taylor Walker was third at 28-feet, 11-inches.

Bentley, sophomore Abby Prickitt, Thompson, and junior Audrey Clare teamed to win the 3,200-meter relay in a time of 12:43.23.

Hannah Earls was second in the high jump at 4-feet, 2-inches, and Taylor Walker was third at 3-feet, 10-inches.

Ryan finished third in the 100-meter dash in 14.32 seconds, and Henderson was fourth in 14.37 seconds.

Bentley finished third in the 800-meter run in 2:45.43, and Pernaselli finished third in the javelin with a throw of 81-feet, 4-inches.

Athens returns to action May 13 at the NTL Championships.

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ATHENS CLOSES DUAL SEASON WITH WINS OVER NEB, NP-MANSFIELD

ATHENS CLOSES DUAL SEASON WITH WINS OVER NEB, NP-MANSFIELD

May 3, 2022 Tim Birney

ATHENS — Junior Jaden Wright was a four-time winner, and senior Kyle Anthony was a triple-winner to lead Athens to wins over Northeast Bradford and North Penn-Mansfield here Tuesday afternoon in NTL track & field action.

Athens tallied 94.67 points, while North Penn-Mansfield had 50.33 points, and NEB collected 38 points.

“The kids did a lot of good things tonight across the board,” said Athens coach Scott Riley. “It was a really nice team showing as we wrapped up our dual meet schedule.

“Now, we have some time to focus on some good workout between now and the NTL meet,” he added.

Wright won the 100-meter dash in 11.64 seconds, while freshman Kolsen Keathley was second in 11.93 seconds, and freshman Carter Lewis was third in 12.05 seconds

Wright also won the 200-meter dash in a time of 23.79 seconds, while Lewis was second in 24.19 seconds, and Keathley was third in 24.3.

Wright also collected a win in the long jump with a leap of 18-feet, 5-inches, while senior Cameron Whitmarsh was third at 17-feet, 9-inches, and Keathley was fourth at 17-feet, 8 1/2-inches.

Wright teamed with senior Levi Kuhns, Keathley, and Lewis to win the 400-meter relay in 46.17 seconds.

Anthony won the 1,600-meter run in a time of 5:00.91, while freshman Ethan Hicks was third in 5:05.16, and Bertsch was fourth in 5:27.03. Anthony finished second in the 800-meter run in 2:08.18.

Anthony teamed with seniors Sander Bertsch and Ryan Thompson, and junior Ethan Denlinger to win the 3,200-meter relay in a time of 8:59.7.

Anthony teamed with freshman Ronel Ankam, Lewis and Thompson to win the 3,200-meter relay in a time of 3:47.76.

Kuhns won the 110-meter hurdles in 16.54 seconds, while Ankam was third in 18.12 seconds, and Congdon was fourth in 20.11.

Ankam won the 300-meter hurdles in 46.22 seconds, and Kuhns was second in 46.42 seconds.

Hicks won the 3,200-meter run in a time of 11:11.63, and senior Izaak Hobday was third in 12:12.53.

Denlinger won the pole vault, clearing the bar at 8-feet, 6-inches.

Thompson finished second in the 400-meter dash in 56.4 seconds, and Denlinger was fourth in 58.07 seconds.

Sophomore Josh Martin finished third in the discus with a toss of 110-feet, 9-inches. He finished fourth in the javelin with a throw of 117-feet, 10-inches.

Freshman Peter Jones finished third in the triple jump with a mark of 36-feet, 3-inches, and Brendan Jones was fourth at 31-feet, 7 1/2-inches.

Congdon was third in the high jump at 4-feet, 10-inches, while Brendan Jones and Connor Brown tied for fourth at 4-feet, 8-inches.

Athens returns to action May 13 at the NTL Championships.

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'BANGED-UP' ATHENS FALLS AT WELLSBORO, 13-3

'BANGED-UP' ATHENS FALLS AT WELLSBORO, 13-3

May 3, 2022 Tim Birney

WELLSBORO — Athens struck first in the top of the first inning, but Wellsboro answered with a flurry of runs in a 13-3 win here Tuesday afternoon in NTL Large School Division softball action.

Athens coach Mickey Farrell said his team is banged-up, but was pleased with their effort in the loss.

“We have three starters out, possibly for the season, and the girls Tonight who replaced them did s great job,” he said.

“We just didn’t hit the ball,” noted Farrell. “Defensively we were actually pretty good, especially our outfield — we only had three errors.

“We are trying to find the positive,” Farrell added. “Hopefully, we learn from all we’re doing and keep playing as hard as we can.”

The Lady Wildcats scored two runs with two outs in their first at-bats. Senior Aliyah Butler rapped an RBI double to score freshman Jules Pack, who led off the rally with a two-out single. Butler later scored on a throwing error.

Wellsboro scored one run in the home half of the inning, then scored four in the second, and one more in the third inning to take a 6-2 lead.

Athens got one run back in the fourth inning to close the gap to 6-4, but Wellsboro scored three runs in the fourth, and finished off the game in the bottom of the fifth inning with four runs to invoke the 10-run “mercy” rule.

Butler doubled, scored one run, and drove in one run to lead Athens at the plate, while freshmen Savannah Persun and Emma Coyle each had a single, and Pack and senior Macie Coyle each scored one run.

Rylie Boyce had three hits for Wellsboro, and Emma Coolidge and Paige Logsdon added two hits apiece.

Athens, now 7-8, returns to action Friday when it hosts Canton.

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WELLSBORO TOPS ATHENS, 11-4

WELLSBORO TOPS ATHENS, 11-4

May 3, 2022 Tim Birney

WELLSBORO — Wellsboro plated six runs in the home half of the sixth inning to blow open a close game en route to an 11-4 win over Athens here Tuesday afternoon in NTL Large School baseball action.

The Wildcats took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning on an RBI single by senior Kaden Setzer, but the Hornets answered with a run in the bottom of the inning.

Athens re-gained the lead with two runs in the top of the third. Junior Carson Smith, senior Karter Rude, and junior Caleb Nichols stoked consecutive singles to make it 2-1, and Rude scored as Nichols was thrown out attempting to steal second.

Once again, however, Wellsboro answered, scoring two runs in the home half of the inning to tie the game at 3-3.

Wellsboro scored two more runs in the fourth inning to take a 5-3 lead, but Athens closed the gap to 5-4 in the fifth when Nichols scampered home on a passed ball. The Wildcats had runners on second and third with no outs, but couldn’t push another run across the plate.

The first sixth batters in the Hornets’ six reached base, with four crossing the plate to extend the lead to 9-4. They ended up scoring two more runs to make it 11-4.

Nichols stroked three singles, scored one run, and drove in one run, and junior Mason Lister singled twice to pace Athens’ eight-hit attack, while Rude and Smith singled and scored one run, Setzer singled and drove in one run, and junior Jaren Glisson scored one run.

Brody Morral stroked three singles, scored two runs, and drove in one run, and Caden Smith had three hits, including a double, scored one run, and knocked in one run in Wellsboro’s 12-hit attack.

Athens, now 10-7, returns to action Monday at North Penn-Mansfield.

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WYALUSING AVENGES LOSS WITH 13-3 WIN OVER ATHENS

WYALUSING AVENGES LOSS WITH 13-3 WIN OVER ATHENS

May 2, 2022 Tim Birney

ATHENS — Wyalusing built a big lead early, and took advantage of nine Athens errors in a 13-3 win here Monday afternoon in NTL Large School softball action.

For the Lady Rams, the win avenges a 21-15 loss to the Lady Wildcats last week.

Jenelle Johns, who was knocked out of the game last week in the first inning, pitched a complete game to earn the win. She allowed three runs on eight hits, while striking out nine and walking none.

Wyalusing scored one run in the first, four more in the second, and one more in the third to extend the lead to 6-0.

The Lady Rams pushed two runs across the plate in the fourth, and three more in the fifth inning to take an 11-0 lead.

Athens scored all three of its runs in the bottom of the sixth inning on a three-run triple by senior Macie Coyle.

Wyalusing tacked on two runs in the top of the seventh inning to provide the final margin.

Senior Aliyah Butler and sophomore Marissa Butler each singled twice and scored one run to lead Athens at the plate, while Macie Coyle tripled and drove in three runs, Cailin McDaniel doubled and scored one run, and senior Caydence Macik, and freshman Jules Pack each singled. Freshman Ella Coyle scored one run.

Athens, now 7-7, travel to Wellsboro Tuesday.

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WYALUSING REMAINS UNBEATEN WITH 7-4 WIN OVER ATHENS

WYALUSING REMAINS UNBEATEN WITH 7-4 WIN OVER ATHENS

May 2, 2022 Tim Birney

ATHENS — Unbeaten Wyalusing scored an unearned run on two Athens errors on the same play in the top of the third inning to take the lead for good on its way to a 7-4 win over Athens here Monday afternoon in NTL Large School Division baseball action.

With two outs in the top of the third inning, and the game tied 2-2, Trehnon Hugo hit a flyball that was misplayed. An errant relay throw to third bases allowed Hugo to score to give the Rams a 3-2 lead.

Wyalusing added another run in the fourth, and three more in the top of the seventh to take a 7-2 lead.

The Wildcats scored two runs in the home half of the seventh, on an RBI double by junior Mason Lister and a passed ball.

Lister doubled twice and drove in one run, and senior Karter Rude singled twice, stole two bases, and scored one run to pace Athens at the plate, while senior Kaden Setzer doubled and scored one run.

Senior Dylan Merritt doubled and drove in one run for the Wildcats, while junior Jaren Glisson doubled, junior Cam Sullivan singled, and junior Caleb Nichols scored one run.

Junior Lucas Kraft was tagged with the loss, allowing four runs — three earned — on seven hits, while striking out two and walking four in 4 2/3 innings. Sullivan allowed three runs — two earned — on three hits, while striking out two and walking none in 2 1/3 innings.

Hugo earned the win for the Rams, allowing two runs on seven hits, while striking out four and walking two in 5 2/3 innings. Blake Morningstar closed out the game, allowing two unearned runs on one hit, while striking out four and walking one.

The Wildcats took the early lead with one run in the bottom of the first inning.

Rude led off with a single, and stole second. Sullivan then stroked a single to right field, and Rude scored when the ball was misplayed.

Wyalusing answered with two runs in the top of the second on a sacrifice fly by Hugo and a bases-loaded walk to Morningstar.

Athens tied the game in the bottom of the second. Setzer led off with a double and ended up on third when the ball was misplayed in the outfield. He scored on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Merritt.

Robert English doubled and singled, scored two runs, and drove in one run, and Kenny Mapes singled twice, scored one run, and had two RBI to pace Wyalusing’s 10-hit attack, and Jacob Bryun belted a solo home run.

Athens, now 10-6, travel to Wellsboro Tuesday.

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ATHENS EDGES CV, 2-1, IN SEASON OPENER

ATHENS EDGES CV, 2-1, IN SEASON OPENER

March 25, 2022 Tim Birney

ATHENS — Senior Karter Rude helped Athens manufacture both of its runs, and juniors Lucas Kraft and Cameron Sullivan combined on a strong pitching performance to lead the Wildcats to a season-opening, 2-1, win over Cowanesque Valley here Friday afternoon.

“We had a plan to use our speed and really run the bases,” said Athens coach Charlie Havens. “It did move the runners really well.

“We could’ve used a few more hits, but that aggression (on the base paths) did lead to the winning run.” he noted.

Havens was pleased with his pitchers’ performance, and his team’s defense in a game that was visited by rain showers throughout.

"Lucas Kraft had a strong start, and really got tough with runners on base,” he said.

“Cam Sullivan was solid in relief,” noted Havens. “He came in with runners on first and third, and got out of the jam.”

“On a wet field, to only have three errors and give up one run, isn’t a bad start to the season,” added Havens.

After Kraft retired CV in order in the top of the first inning, Rude was hit by a pitch to lead off the home half of the frame.

Rude took second on a passed ball, and move to third on a groundout off the bat of junior Caleb Nichols. With two outs, Rude scampered home on an infield RBI single by Mason Lister to make it 1-0.

The Indians tied the game in the top of the third.

Coen Kemp and Carter Ackley led off the inning with back-to-back singles. With one out, Ackley, who was on second base following a fielder’s choice, stole third and score when the throw sailed into left field.

Kraft avoided any further damage with a strikeout, and a groundout to end the threat.

Nichols drew a one-out walk in the home half of the inning, and stole second, but was thrown out attempting to score on a single by Lister.

In the bottom of the fifth, Rude laced a line-drive, one-out single to left field. After stealing second and third bases, he scooted home on an RBI grounder off the bat of Nichols to make it 2-1.

In the top of the sixth, Kraft hit Kade Sottolano with a pitch to start the inning, then gave up a one-out single to Tucker St. Peter that advanced Sottolano to third base.

Sullivan relieved, and Nichols promptly threw out St. Peter attempting to steal second. Sullivan then struck out the next batter to end the inning.

“We put a cut play on with the steal to hold the runner on third, and it worked to perfection with a great throw to second by Nichols,” said Havens.

Senior Jaren Glisson ripped a two-out single to left field int he home half of the inning, then stole second, but was stranded there.

Sullivan struck out the first two batters in the top of the seventh inning, but with two outs CV’s Jordan Vargeson worked a two-out walk. Nick West followed with a bloop single to short right field, but pinch-runner Isaiah Bogsch was tagged out after a run-down between second and third to end the game.

Glisson singled twice and stole two bases, and Lister singled twice and drove in a run to pace Athens’ six-hit attack, while Rude, scored two runs, and stole two bases, and junior Gage Warner added a single.

Kraft earned the win for the Wildcats, allowing one run on six hits in 5 1/3 innings. He fanned six and walked none.

Sullivan recorded the save, allowing one hit in 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief. He struck out three and walked one.

Ackley singled twice, stole two bases, and scored one run to pace CV’s seven-hit attack, while Sottolano singled and swiped two bags, and St. Peter, McGwire Painter, Kemp and West each added a single.

Painter was tagged with the tough-luck loss, allowing two runs — one earned — on five hits in five innings. He struck out four and walked one.

St. Peter pitched a scoreless inning of relief, allowing one hit and recording one strikeout.

Athens returns to action Thursday when it hosts Canton, while CV hosts Towanda Tuesday.

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ATHENS DROPS SEASON OPENER TO CV, 12-2

ATHENS DROPS SEASON OPENER TO CV, 12-2

March 25, 2022 Tim Birney

ATHENS — Cowanesque Valley erupted for eight runs in the top of the third inning en route to a season-opening, 12-2, win over Athens here Friday afternoon in NTL softball action.

“First of all, take nothing away from CV,” said Athens coach Mickey Farrell.  “They played how we expect to play . Their pitcher threw strikes , they put the ball in play, with some nice timely hitting, they were aggressive on the base paths, and they played very good D. We did none of those .

“We had one bad inning, and it was too much to come back from,” noted Farrell.  “My kids never gave up, though. We just got beat by a better team — plain and simple.”

The Lady Indians took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning on an RBI single bu Mackenzie Surine.

CV added two more runs in the second inning by Tabbitha Piper and Huzey.

In the decisive third-inning rally, the Lady Indians sent 13 batters to the plate. Shrine singled and scored twice, and Ruby Sherman and Katie Adams each added singles,

Athens got on the board in the home half of the third inning when senior Caydence Macik reached on an error, and scored on a two-out RBI single by freshman Savannah Persun.

CV extended the lead to 12-1 in the top of the fifth when Surine led off with a single and eventually scored.

Freshman Jules Pack led off the home half of the fifth with a single, and circled the bases on passed balls to close the gap to 12-2, but Sherman retired the next three Athens batters to end the game via the 10-run rule.

Pack singled twice and scored one run to pace Athens at the plate, while freshman Ella Coyle, Persun, and sophomore Marissa Butler each singled, and Macik scored one run

Macik was tagged with the loss. She struck out three and walked three.

Sherman got the win for CV, going five innings and giving up two runs on four hits with one strikeout and one walk.

Surine collected four hits for the Lady Indians, while Adams, Sherman, Labarron, Piper and Huzey all added singles in the win.

Athens returns to action Thursday when it hosts Canton.

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BRADLEY WINS PIAA GOLD IN DRAMATIC FASHION

BRADLEY WINS PIAA GOLD IN DRAMATIC FASHION

March 12, 2022 Tim Birney

HERSHEY — Athens senior Gavin Bradley has tasted defeat on PIAA’s biggest stage, and he didn’t want to feel that way again. His takedown late in the third period lifted him to PIAA gold in the 113-pound bracket here Saturday afternoon in the Class AA Wrestling Championships at the Giant Center.

Bradley scored a takedown with 21 seconds remaining to take a 4-2 lead over Montoursville’s Branden Wentzel on his way to a 4-3 decision.

“The day after last year’s final, I started preparing for States,” said Gavin Bradley.

“I took a piece of paper and wrote down all my feelings after losing in the state finals,” he noted. “I took that and taped it to the ceiling above my bed, so I wake up to those emotions every single day.

“I wake up to those feeling every single day, and I didn’t want to feel like that again,” added Gavin Bradley.

The state title is a dream come true, said Gavin Bradley.

“The only thing you can control in life is your effort, and the time you put into the things you love,” he said. “You have to figure out what you want to do in life, love that, and go after it with everything you have.

“I’ve wanted this a long time, ever since I was a little kid,” added Gavin Bradley. “I’ve dreamed of this moment.”

The state title is culmination of years of hard work, said his coach (and uncle) Shawn Bradley.

“Gavin didn’t really start wrestling until he was in fifth- or sixth-grade, so he’s a late bloomer, but he came to me and said ‘I want this,” so I said, ‘let’s do it.’

“Compliments to his father (Kyle), he took him wherever he wanted to go,” said Shawn Bradley. “He wrestled every summer, he wrestled 100 matches every offseason.

“He had the opportunities, and he took advantage of those opportunities,” he added. “That’s all we can ask of our kids.”

The match started out slowly with a pair of blood stoppages in the first minute for a cut on the bridge of Wentzel’s nose.

After a scoreless first period, Bradley deferred, then cut Wentzel when he chose to start on the bottom.

Two more blood stoppages slowed the action in the second period as well, and Wentzel maintained a 1-0 lead entering the final two minutes.

Bradley chose bottom to start the third period, and registered a reversal just 17 seconds in to take a 2-1 lead.

Following a stalemate with 1:01 remaining, Bradley cut Wentzel loose to tie the bout at 2-2.

After another stalemate with 35 seconds remaining, Bradley got in on a single-leg and kept both his feet in-bounds as he corralled both Wentzel’s legs for the takedown with 21 seconds left for a 4-2 lead.

“I was just trying to wrestle smart, wrestle my match, and execute the things I needed to do,” said Gavin Bradley. “It was a takedown. It wasn’t one of my best takedowns, but it was a takedown, and it won the match.”

After a re-start with 20 seconds remaining, Wentzel escaped with 8 seconds left to close the gap to 4-3.

Bradley was warned for stalling with 2 seconds remaining, and fended off Wentzel’s final takedown attempt at the horn to preserve the win.

The majority of the match was spent near the edge of the circle, but both Bradleys expected that.

“That’s kind of (Wentzel’s) style,” said Gavin Bradley. “He’s a good wrestler, but he does stall a little bit.

“He said he was going to play mind games with me, so let’s play mind games,” added Gavin Bradley. “If you want to stall on the edge, go stall on the edge, but at some point we’re going to have to wrestle.”

“At the hotel last night, we watched the last couple matches,” said Shawn Bradley. “I asked the assistant coaches how the match would go, and I told them they were out of their mind. I thought we’d get three takedowns, but they were right.

“(Wentzel) did exactly what they said,” he noted. “David (White) said he was going to go to a knee, and Jay (White) said he was going to play the edges and run; and that’s what he did.”

Shawn Bradley said Gavin executed his game plan to near perfection.

“We knew if we shot the single-leg we’d be in trouble, so I told Gavin ‘don’t shoot the single-leg,’ and he stayed away from it, all but one time. His hands stayed down … he gave up his legs one time, but other than that he did exactly what he was suppose to do.

“One of our struggles has been him trying to adjust during the match,” noted Shawn Bradley. “It was a struggle last year in the state finals. He did exactly what he was suppose to do today … made an adjustment, got his one takedown, and stayed calm, cool, and collected.

“He had to get an escape, which we don’t … when was the last time Gavin was down?,” added Shawn Bradley. “Instead, he got a reversal, so he did everything he had to do.”

For Shawn Bradley, the win was doubly-sweet with his nephew reaching the top step of the podium.

“Sometimes it’s hard to separate the two (nephew and wrestler). That’s the biggest problem coaching your own kids and your family … it’s hard to separate.

“Much like my own sons, (Gavin) got the brunt of things, and the other kids will tell you the same,” said Shawn Bradley. “It was on Gavin more than anything.”

“I’m so proud of him,” added Shawn Bradley. “He deserves it, he really does.”

Following the win, the usually-stoic Gavin Bradley did a couple of victory laps, and pumped his fist emphatically at the Athens contingent in the stands.

Even Shawn Bradley was surprised by Gavin’s celebration.

“He such a great kid. He’s so humble … I looked at Jay (White) and almost asked what’s going on right now … but that’s Gavin,” laughed Shawn Bradley. “There’s always a surprise, you never know what you’re going to get.”

Bradley finishes his career with a 152-19 record. He is third on the all-time wins list behind David White’s 163, and Brian Courtney’s 153.

Bradley said he is deciding between four colleges, including Central Michigan, Castleton, and Delaware Valley.

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BRADLEY CONTINUES CHASE; RIDES THIRD-PERIOD FALL INTO SEMIFINALS

BRADLEY CONTINUES CHASE; RIDES THIRD-PERIOD FALL INTO SEMIFINALS

March 11, 2022 Tim Birney

v>HERSHEY — Once Athens senior Gavin Bradley caught up to Quaker Valley sophomore Jack Kazalas, it was all over — a third-period fall here Friday morning to advance to the 113-pound semifinals of the PIAA Class AA Wrestling Championships at The Gian Center.


The win was the 150th of Bradley's career.

The Athens coaches are still waiting for Bradley, now 37-1, to cut loose and wrestle the way he’s capable.

“Gavin is just looking to advance right now, instead of performing,” said Athens assistant coach Jay White. “He just needs to go out and have fun and wrestle. When he does that, there’s not a person in this gym who is going to touch him.”

Kazalas spent the large majority of the match back-pedaling, which drew a stall warning midway through the first period.

“That kid watched a lot if film, you could tell,” said White. “(Kazalas) wrestled a smart match against Gavin.

“But Gavin kept him in the match,” noted White. “He didn’t give his best effort, and that kid is really good.”

After ore than 90 seconds on their feet, Kazalas got in deep on a double-leg for a takedown and a 2-0 lead, but Bradley escaped immediately to trim the deficit to 2-1.

Bradley registered another escape early in the second period, then scored a quick takedown after a re-start midway through the stanza to take a 4-2 lead. Following a Kazalas escape, Bradley led 4-3 entering the final two minutes.

Bradley cut Kazalas to start the third period, and scored a takedown 12 seconds later. Bradley quickly put the legs in and quickly turned him with a power-half for the fall at 4:25.

“Once he decided ‘this isn’t working, I’m going to start wrestling,’ it was no contest,” said White.

“He kept the kid in the bout by wrestling a little tentative,” noted White. “He’s thinking ‘it’s the state quarterfinals, if he wins he’s in the semifinals and guaranteed of a medal,’ but he’s not looking for a medal, he’s got a bunch of them. He’s looking to get to the top step of the podium.

“He’s worried he’s not going to get there, and he’s got to stop thinking like that,” added White. “He’ll be fine, it’s just a matter of performing like he’s capable. If he keeps performing like he did in the third period, there’s no one in this arena that can touch him.”

Bradley will square off with Faith Christian Academy freshman Gauge Botero (43-6) tonight in the semifinals.

“(Botero) is a lot like Gavin. He’s a high-motor guy,” said Whi

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RUDE BOWS OUT IN SECOND ROUND OF WRESTLEBACKS AT CLASS AA CHAMPIONSHIPS

RUDE BOWS OUT IN SECOND ROUND OF WRESTLEBACKS AT CLASS AA CHAMPIONSHIPS

March 11, 2022 Tim Birney

HERSHEY — Athens senior Karter Rude saw his high school career come to an end Friday morning with a setback in the second round of wrestlebacks here at the PIAA Class AA Championships at the Giant Center.

Rude, who finishes his season with a 33-9 record, dropped a 7-5 decision to Northwest Region champion Kane Kettering of Reynolds, who was upset in the round-of-16.

Rude struggled to finish his takedown attempts on the lanky 6-3 Kettering throughout the match.

“It was tough, that kid was super-long … Karter needed to finish a little bit quicker,” said Athens coach Shawn Bradley.

“That one hurts,” noted Bradley. “(Karter) gave one away yesterday, I would have like to have seen what he could have done if he won that one yesterday, but (wrestling) is a very unforgiving sport.

“Karter kept wrestling and had a chance to win, and that’s a testament to his development over the last few years,” added Bradley. “He actually came a long way in one year. I think he wrestled with more of a purpose this year.”

After a scoreless 60-second first period, Rude cut Kettering loose to start the second period.

About 30 seconds later, Rude got in on a leg, but Kettering was able to stuff the attempt and score a takedown for a 3-0 lead.

After a Rude escape, he once again got in on Kettering, only to have the Reynolds senior counter for the takedown and a 5-1 lead.

Rude scored a quick takedown in the third period, but Kettering registered a reversal moments later to take a 7-3 lead.

Rude recorded an escape with 34 seconds remaining, and Kettering was banged for stalling with 5 seconds remaining to provide the final margin.

“This loss stinks, but (Karter) is going to do great things in life,” said Bradley. “He is a class act. I wish I had 20 more of him.

“He’s a leader on our team without a doubt, and he led by example,” added Bradley. “He’s a great kid.”

Rude finishes his four-year varsity career with a 96-42 record.

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ARCHBISHOP CARROLL ENDS ATHENS' RUN IN 'SWEET 16' OF 4A PLAYOFFS

ARCHBISHOP CARROLL ENDS ATHENS' RUN IN 'SWEET 16' OF 4A PLAYOFFS

March 11, 2022 Tim Birney

MOKIN — Archbishop Carroll used an early 19-2 run to take control, and end Athens’ season with an 83-38 win in the “Sweet 16” of the PIAA, Class 4A boys basketball playoffs here Friday night.

“I’m so proud of this team,” said Athens coach Jim Lister.  “There is nothing for them to hang their heads about.”

Senior Troy Pritchard scored off a feed from junior Mason Lister to tie the game at 3-3  less than a minute into the game, but Archbishop Carroll scored the next 12 points in a 16-2 run to close the opening stanza with a 19-5 lead.

Moses Hipps knocked down a 3-pointer in the opening moments of the second quarter to extend the Patriots’ lead to 22-5.

“We came out and had some good looks, we just didn’t make the shots,” said Lister. “Archbishop Carroll is an excellent basketball team. Take nothing away from them, they made the shots.

“And Moses (Hipps) was excellent,” added Lister. “Even with two guys in his face, he was draining 3s from everywhere.”

Hipps, who finished the game with 31 points and six 3-pointers, knocked down a trio of 3-pointers and scored 12 points in the second quarter to fuel a 25-16 run that gave Archbishop Carrol a 44-21 led at the half.

The Patriots continued the onslaught in the second half, outscoring Athens 2011 in the third quarter, and 13-6 in the final eight minutes.

“I’m not taking anything away from (Archbishop Carroll) at all, but the private Catholic schools and the charter schools in Pennsylvania are just at a different level,” said Lister.

“I think we got to see that tonight,” he added.

Brown led Athens with 15 points, three assists, and one blocked shot, while senior J.J. Babcock had eight points, six rebounds, four blocked shots, and three steals, and Pritchard had six points and two rebounds.

Junior Chris Mitchell added four points and a team-high eight rebounds, while senior Nalen Carling chipped in with three points, and Lister had four boards and two assists.

The Wildcats graduate five seniors in Babcock, Carling, Carling, Pritchard and Ryan Thompson.

“I’ve been with these kids for 10 years,” said Lister. “They’ve shown the way on what you need to do to be successful in the game of basketball.

“They’ve been playing since a very young age. They played in leagues, they played AAUs, and they played in summer league,” he noted.

“They were always working on their game, and they played together. They were always a team, it was never a bunch of individuals.

“I’m so proud of them, and so happy for them. They are a great bunch of kids, and I have no doubt they will be extremely successful in life,” he added. “I could not be happier about how their final season went.”

Lister knows his seniors will be tough to replace, but he believes he has plenty of talent returning.

“I told the underclassmen after the game … I hope they learned from our seniors, and what it takes to be successful because they have some pretty big shoes to fill.

“Mason (Lister) is our only starter returning, but Chris Mitchell improved tremendously,” said Lister. “I think he’ll be pretty dominant underneath for us next year.

“Lucas Kraft got some experience and will be a senior next year, and we have some really good under classmen,” noted Lister. “Korey Miller will be able to handle the ball, and Xavier Watson and Kolsen Keathley will play huge parts in our program starting next year.

“There’s no reason we can’t make a pretty good run next year. I think we’ll have all the tools — we’ll have kids who can score, we’ll have size, and we’ll have guards.

“We’ll put the time and work in to see that they’re ready come November,” he added.

Athens wraps up the 2021-22 campaign with a 21-8 reco

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