01/22/25 Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski
By Michael Boytim
mboytim@altoonamirror.com
TYRONE — Brad Lear had some strong words for his Hollidaysburg boys basketball team after a lackluster first half against Tyrone. He made it clear they needed to step up.
“We really needed to change our approach,” Lear said. “It was all about running our plays better in the second half.”
His words sparked a comeback. Hollidaysburg not only erased a 15-point deficit but also claimed the lead late in the game, finishing with a 65-63 victory.
Tyrone coach Luke Rhoades acknowledged that the Golden Tigers played fearlessly. “They attacked the basket and drew fouls at critical moments,” he noted.
Despite forcing 15 turnovers in the first half, Tyrone held a 29-18 lead at halftime. Lear’s halftime speech lit a fire under his team, and they began to find their rhythm.
“We weren’t being affected by their press,” Lear mentioned. “Our isolation plays weren’t working, and it was killing our flow. Once we started running our sets, we moved the ball well.”
The third quarter was where the Golden Tigers roared back. Kasen Metzger sparked a 17-3 run, making it a one-point game. Tyrone had a strong start to the second half, but their lead evaporated quickly.
“It’s all mental,” Rhoades said. “Some players forget it’s just a game. We practice to perform, but overthinking can hurt us.”
Even when Metzger picked up his fourth foul late in the third quarter, Hollidaysburg didn’t falter. Tyson Delerme tied the game with a jump shot as the quarter ended, and they began the final frame with a surge that left Tyrone scrambling.
Hollidaysburg’s depth shone through as different players stepped up. “Every player who comes in has the skills to score and defend,” Lear said with pride.
The game was tight down to the wire. Tyrone’s Sam Crilly made three free throws after being fouled in the final seconds, closing the gap. However, Metzger sealed it with a layup that countered Tyrone’s growing urgency.
In the end, Hollidaysburg held on despite a last-second three-pointer attempt by Tyrone’s Woomer falling short. Hollidaysburg improved to 13-2, demonstrating that teamwork and determination can lead to success even when facing challenges.
Hollidaysburg’s scoring was well-rounded, with Steiner leading the charge with 18 points, followed by Metzger with 17. Both players showcased their talent and teamwork throughout the match.
Here’s how the teams performed:
HOLLIDAYSBURG (65): J. Albarano 10, Steiner 18, V. Albarano 6, Metzger 17, Zimmerman 12, Delerme 2. Totals: 24-19 FTs.
TYRONE (63): Crilly 15, A. Walk 5, Escala 8, Woomer 15, Lehner 7, Adams 6. Totals: 23-21 FTs.
Score by quarters: Hollidaysburg 12 6 27 20 — 65; Tyrone 12 17 16 18 — 63.
3-point goals: Hollidaysburg 5, Tyrone 4.
Records: Hollidaysburg (13-2), Tyrone (10-3).
