Boys’ Basketball: Pottsville defeats Blue Mountain to start league play
Pottsville's Letrel Montone looks to pass while being defended by Blue Mountain's Merik Brayford Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, during a Schuylkill League Division I game at Martz Hall. The Tide defeated the Eagles 53-46 (Phot by Danie Mae Photography).
POTTSVILLE — It felt like Pottsville picked up where they left off.
Letrel Montone led the Crimson Tide with 14 points as Pottsville defeated Blue Mountain 53-46 in a Schuylkill League Division I boys’ basketball game Thursday evening at Martz Hall.
Montone, in his typical fashion, added 11 of his 14 points a crucial second half for the Tide (2-0, 1-0). Derek Watkins chipped in three 3-pointers and totaled 13 points, while Christian Alvarez added 11 for Pottsville.
“Its pretty simple, Blue Mountain was playing harder than we were,” Crimson Tide coach Jake Wartella said. “They were getting every rebound, every loose ball. Stuff was happening too easy for them on offense, so we cleaned somethings up at halftime. Our kids responded well.
“I told them, ‘every game against this team is never going to be easy. If you thought it was going to be easy, it wasn’t.’ I’m proud of the effort, proud of the win. We’re 2-0, we’re happy, but we’re on to Tamaqua.”
Pottsville trailed the entire first half as Blue Mountain (0-2, 0-1) outscored the 13-9 in the first quarter. Chase Baldwin, Tyeirre Meade and Aidan Grace each added field goal as the Eagles led 6-0 to begin the game.
Watkins knocked down two of his three 3’s in the second quarter to ignite the Tide. Ryder Bowers added another 3-point field goal to bring Pottsville with four at the half, trailing Blue Mountain 28-24.
In the third quarter is when the Tide made their mark. Montone paced Pottsville with 9 of his 14 points coming in the frame as the Tide outscored the Eagles 17-6 in the third. Pottsville held Blue Mountain scoreless until nearly 4:00 left to play in the quarter. The Eagles struggled to find open shots and Montone gave the Tide the lead 30-28 with his only 3-pointer of the game.
Pottsville and Blue Mountain both fought till the end as each team scored 12 points in the fourth quarter. The third quarter offensive surge of the the Crimson Tide proved to be crucial as Pottsville rolled past Blue Mountain 53-46. Fourth quarter highlights included a fast break dunk by Montone and Bowers’ third 3 of the night for Pottsville.
“Ryder has been great through these first two games,” Wartella said. “We knew he was going to be good. He’s a great shooter, and he’s making big shots. He’s been doing it in two straight games for us. We love Ryder, and we have some other guys who can definitely do that as well. Guys did hit really big shots tonight”
For the Eagles, Grace scored a game-high 15 points, while Merik Brayford added 9.
