IAC BOYS BASKETBALL: STRONG THIRD QUARTER PROPELS NEWARK VALLEY TO 70-53 WIN OVER WHITNEY POINT (January 3, 2026)

Tioga County Sports Report
NEWARK VALLEY — Newark Valley used a strong third quarter to blow open a close game in a 70-53 win over Whitney Point here Saturday afternoon in IAC Large School Division boys basketball crossover action.

"We had a big third quarter where we came out and got lots of stops and buckets," said Newark Valley coach Scott Stratton. 

"We pushed the ball in transition and also ran efficient offense in the half court," noted Stratton. "That third quarter is where the game was won."

Cooper Davis, who knocked down a 3-pointer, and Tristan Veruto each scored five points and Tim Wojtysiak added four points to help the Cardinals to a 16-12 lead after the first eight minutes.

Wojtysiak scored seven points, including a 3-pointer, in the second quarter, while Veruto scored six points and Ashton Green added a 3-pointer, but the Eagles were able to keep the deficit at four, and trailed 34-30 at the halftime intermission.

Veruto pumped in 10 points in the third quarter, while Green and Davis each scored five points to fuel a 21-7 run to give the Cardinals a 55-37 lead heading into the final eight minutes.

Wojtysiak canned an early 3-pointer in the fourth quarter and scored seven points and Wyatt Welch added a pair of buckets as the Cardinals sealed the win.

Veruto led the Cardinals with 23 points, while Wojtysiak had 19 points, four deflections and two steals and Nate Hinckley scored four points, grabbed 13 rebounds and had two deflections.

Cooper Davis had 12 points, seven rebounds, five steals and three deflections on the win, while Greene added eight points, five steals and three deflections, and Welch chipped in with four points.

"Tristan (Veruto) finished in transition like a champ today, and kudos to the boys for seeing him and pushing the ball ahead," said Stratton.

"Tim (Wojtysiak) really came alive tonight," noted Stratton. "Not only did he put up his season-high, but he also did a good job keeping 6-5 John Morris from doing too much damage down low.

"Nate (Hinckley) was a beast on the boards today. He just seemed to get every rebound," said Stratton. "And, he did a great job quarterbacking our press break.

"Cooper (Davis) had what seemed like a quiet 12 points, but it was his smart guard play and rebounding that really made us better," added Stratton.

John Morris led Whitney Point with 14 points, but only scored two points in the second half.

Newark Valley returns to action Tuesday at Trumansburg.

————————

IN PHOTO: Newark Valley's Tristan Veruto. ... TCSR STOCK PHOTO.

Print Friendly Version