Tioga County Sports ReportNEWARK VALLEY — Newark Valley sliced the deficit to 11 points late in the third quarter, but state-ranked Dryden closed the game strong on its way to a 72-51 win here Thursday night in IAC Large School crossover boys basketball action.
"We gave it a good go tonight," said Newark Valley coach Scott Stratton. "They're just a tough team with too many weapons to contain. But, I'm proud of our attempt."
The Purple Lions, ranked 16th in Class B, opened up a 20-8 lead after the first quarter, and outscored the Cardinals 21-12 in the third quarter to take a 33-20 lead into the halftime locker room.
Tim Wojtysiak, who had 10 points in the first half, and Josh Benjamin scored seven points apiece, and Anthony Dougher added five as the Cardinals opened the second half with a 19-9 run.
Benjamin's 3-pointer with 1:29 remaining in the third quarter closed the gap to 50-39, but Dryden finished off the quarter with a 9-0 run to take a 59-39 lead into the final eight minutes.
Wojtysiak pumped in 25 points, including five 3-pointers, to lead Newark Valley, while Dougher scored 14 points, Benjamin added seven points, and Smith chipped in with four points.
Peter Nydan led Dryden with 22 points, and Alexander Scott Cesair added 20.
Newark Valley, now 3-7, returns to action Tuesday when it hosts Tioga.
