SECTION IV BOYS BASKETBALL: NEWARK VALLEY OPENS WITH NON-LEAGUE VICTORY (2022-12-30)
Tioga County Sports Report
OXFORD — Newark Valley opened the season with an impressive 71-55 non-league victory over Oxford Wednesday evening.
“We were short-handed a bit tonight, but the nine guys we brought came ready to compete,” NV coach Scott Stratton said. “It was nice to see and exciting to be a part of.”
The Cardinals rode double-digit scoring performances by four players against a team which was hot from 3-point range.
Dan Pirger paced the NV effort with 19 points and provided key veteran experience.
“Dan Pirger provided great leadership tonight,” Stratton said. “We controlled the pace of the game because of team defense and Dan’s effort to push us to run lanes and pressure them on offense.
Ryan Rhodes and Joe Rombach recorded 13 points apiece for the visitors. Rombach was a spark on defense while Rhodes was strong in a reserve role.
“Rombach was relentless defensively,” Stratton said. “He put a lot of pressure on ball handlers and was a key part of our offense. It was a great showing for his first varsity game.
“Rhodes came off the bench to relieve some guys in early foul trouble and wound up giving us a great offensive night. He finished at the hoop and his basket defense was superb as well.”
Landon Spoonhower, who suffered a compound fracture of the thumb during football season 7 ½ weeks ago, chipped in with 11 points.
NV broke open a two-point game with a 24-11 surge in the second quarter. Pirger put up nine points and Troy Middendorf scored all seven of his points to give the team a 42-27 halftime advantage.
Newark valley built a 60-40 lead in the third period as Pirger and Rhodes split a dozen markers evenly.
Will Craparo added four points and Caleb Carp tacked on two.
The Blackhawks received a game-high 20 points and Caden Rifanburg recorded 14 more. The duo knocked down four 3-pointers apiece and Oxford registered nine treys on the night.
The Cardinals will continue to tweak their game, but won’t have much time as they visit Odessa-Montour Friday.
“We’ve got lots of things to work on, but tonight we did lots of things well and with enthusiasm,” Stratton said.
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IN PHOTO: NV’s Dan Pirger. ... TCSR STOCK PHOTO.
