Photo by: Athletics Photographer Ryan Mills
The Mont Alto gym was full of energy at tonight's game, both on and off the court. With the intensity level going strong until the final buzzer, Mont Alto continued their winning streak; with a fourth straight win against Penn State Brandywine, 87-81.
With six players scoring over ten points each and outrebounding on both offense and defense, Mont Alto is continually proving themselves. "We have really come together as a team, we are learning to win as a team. Our scoring is well balanced, everyone is figuring out their roles. We have starters coming out strong, players coming off the bench filling positions as we need them and we have players to close the game that can make the crucial free throws," Head Coach Ed Flory commented.
Starters Jeremiah Mitchell, Shane Santell, Kevin Onyneaka and Jesse Newman have been the top scorers for the past four games, averaging between 10 to 15 points each. Newman was leading scorer of the game with 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists during his thirty-eight minutes of playing time. "Were finally settling in together, we are trusting each other more and playing as a team," Newman adds. "The fans really helped get us pumped up tonight and encouraged us to play harder." Jeffery Bowie and Cameron Bowens came off the bench strong and contributed major points in double scoring, Bowie with 10 and Bowens scoring 11. The team was 73.9% from the free throw which played a major role in essential points needed during the last minutes of the game.
Mont Alto was winning at half time but it was back at forth through the game. The momentum was high but with a couple minutes left in the game, it went to a whole new level. Due to questioning unfair calls, Coach Flory was ejected from the game and shortly after Brandywine took the lead by five. "I wasn't happy with the calls that were being made going down the stretch. They were hand checking our point guard and too many calls were missed under the basket, "Flory explains. Assistant Coach Micah Gingrich and the team stepped it up. Falling behind, Mont Alto played smart and kept their composure. They committed no fouls, made their shots and played with heart. With the fans on their feet and the cheers echoing the gym Mont Alto kept the streak going with another win, now standing 4-3 in the PSUAC.