Greensburg Salem Upset in First Round
One year ago the Greensburg Salem Golden Lions competed for a State title. One week ago they were contending for a section title. But Tuesday night told a much different story with a not so happy ending.
The Montour Spartans used their strength on offense combined with a stout defensive performance to upset the Greensburg Salem, 41-25, in a Class AAA WPIAL first round game Tuesday night at Plum Senior High School.
A team that averaged 63.1 points per game during the regular season, Greensburg Salem finished 2009-10 with a 10-2 record in Class AAA Section 3, but was ousted by a Montour team that kept the Golden Lions’ offense in its cage. Montour never trailed, while holding Greensburg Salem to only two field goals in each of the second and third quarters, respectively. The Golden Lions shot a dismal 24 percent from the field for the game, including 4-16 from behind the arc.
Offensively, Montour controlled the tempo, maintaining possession for long stretches during critical moments of each quarter. Montour’s deliberate pace prevented Greensburg Salem from establishing momentum from a rally.
Montour’s freshman guard Devin Wilson led all scorers with 14 points. Sophomore guard Dillon Buechel scored eight points, while junior center Austin Heter collected seven points.
Salem did not record a player in double figures. Senior forward Jake Matthews finished with nine points in his final game as a Golden Lion. Matthews has committed to Cornell University for 2010-2011. Fellow senior forwards Drew Manley and T.J. Olesky finished with three points and six points, respectively. Senior guard Trey Parsley did not score in the game, but provided a legitimate parameter threat for Greensburg Salem throughout the year.
In the first half of a doubleheader at Plum on Tuesday, another Westmoreland County team faced better luck. The Greensburg Central Catholic Lady Centurions rode the back of a 7-0 run in the fourth quarter to defeat Ford City, 42-32. While not putting together their strongest offensive output, GCC used timely shots down the stretch to advance to the quarter finals of the Class AA WPIAL Playoffs. Ford City pulled to within 10 points early in the fourth quarter, but GCC forced turnovers and used their size advantage to close the game.
Senior forward Laura McCauley led all scorers with 14 points in the win. McCauley was marred in foul trouble in the first half, which forced her to the bench. GCC’s offensive output much improved when McCauley returned to action. Junior guard Emily Kelly joined McCauley in double figures with 12 points of her own. Junior guard Tess Zufall added 10 points.