Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski
By Michael Boytim
mboytim@altoonamirror.com
Mifflin County came ready to play against Altoona, treating the game like a playoff match. The first half was competitive, but things changed drastically after halftime. Mifflin County surged ahead and limited Altoona to only 10 points in the second half, resulting in a decisive 62-33 victory.
This win ensures that Mifflin County (9-11) secures a place in the District 6 Class 6A playoffs, joining State College. Coach Shane Spencer emphasized the importance of defense and transition for his team as they prepare for the playoffs. “It starts on the defensive end,” he said. “We need to space the shooters and focus on getting out fast.”
The District 6 tournament has three spots, and so far, the teams vying for these spots include State College, Mifflin County, and Altoona. Altoona’s future in the playoffs will be decided soon after their game at Harrisburg.
Josh Lowery was the top scorer for Altoona, contributing 11 points. He briefly put his team ahead in the first quarter. However, Mifflin County’s Jack Curry hit a 3-pointer, allowing his team to take control, and they never looked back. Curry finished the night with 20 points, leading all scorers.
Altoona initially executed their strategy well, keeping the game close and maintaining defensive effort. However, everything changed in the second half. Mifflin County dominated, outscoring Altoona 19-4 in the third quarter. Spencer noted that adjustments made during halftime played a crucial role in turning the game around.
Altoona’s struggle in the second half has been a recurring issue. Senior player M.J. Harrington reflected on this, stating, “Sometimes, we get tired or lose our organization. If we can stay focused like we do in the first half, we can compete.” He praised the team’s hustle and commitment but acknowledged the need for better execution as the game progressed.
In the final quarter, Mifflin County extended their lead further, sealing Altoona’s fate. Josh Hartzler also added to Mifflin County’s score with 16 points. Lowery’s fourth foul, picked up late in the third, limited Altoona’s ability to respond.
Coach Doug Pfeffer expressed his disappointment with the team’s performance, highlighting that they couldn’t regain their momentum after Mifflin County’s run. “When things went downhill, it felt like a snowball effect. We just didn’t battle back,” he said.
Here’s the breakdown of the game:
Final Score:
Mifflin County 62, Altoona 33
SCORE BY QUARTERS:
Mifflin County: 14, 14, 19, 15 — Total: 62
Altoona: 12, 11, 4, 6 — Total: 33
Top Performers:
- Mifflin County: Jack Curry 20 points, Josh Hartzler 16 points
- Altoona: Josh Lowery 11 points
Records:
Mifflin County: 9-11; Altoona: 2-19
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