IAC BOYS BASKETBALL: NEWARK VALLEY CLINCHES POSTSEASON BERTH (2024-02-12)

Tioga County Sports Report
POPLAR RIDGE — The Newark Valley boys basketball team clinched a spot in the Section IV Class B playoffs with a 64-57 IAC crossover victory over Southern Cayuga Monday.

Dan Truesdail poured on the points to lead the NV charge, scoring 30 on the night. He scored 11 in each of the second and fourth quarters

“Truesdail took over in the second quarter and we rode his strength and skill,” coach Scott Stratton said. “Once he got going there wasn’t anyone who was going to stop him.”

The Cardinals needed his effort as they were unable to pull away from the Cougars.

NV led 12-10 after the first period and 28-27 at the break. The Cardinals’ advantage remained at a single point, 43-42, heading into the fourth quarter.

It wasn’t all Truesdail as he received plenty of support from his teammates.

“The boys moved the ball well against the zone, but knew who the hot hands were and got them the ball when they needed to get touches,” Stratton said.

“Cooper (Davis) shot the ball with confidence tonight, and added much needed scoring from the perimeter. He also did a good job running the point and getting us organized.

“Ryan Rhodes was a beast on the boards tonight. He finished with 12 rebounds, eight of which were offensive.

“Tim Wojtysiak’s only field goal of the game was a big three with 50 seconds to play. He caught a skip pass in rhythm and knocked it down to give us a five-point lead.

“Once again, Anthony Dougher made significant contributions. His and Ryan’s length have been really key for us lately.”

Truesdail added nine rebounds to his numbers while Davis pumped out 16 points, including five 3-pointers. Rhodes tacked seven points onto his dozen boards, Dougher added eight points and Wojtysiak had three more.

Back-to-back technicals sent one NV player to the bench early, but his teammates picked up the slack.

NV travels to Union Springs Friday.

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