SL Boys’ Basketball Playoffs: Alvarez’s big quarter propels Pottsville

Pottsville's Christian Alvarez drives to the hoop during Saturday's Schuylkill League boys' basketball quarterfinals contest against Tri-Valley. The Crimson Tide defeated the Dawgs 63-55 (Photo by Danie Mae Photography).

POTTSVILLE — Christian Alvarez’s big second quarter was the key for Pottsville in a wire-to-wire win over Tri-Valley.

Alvarez, a 6-foot-3 junior forward, scored 10 of his team-high 17 points in the second quarter as Pottsville defeated Tri-Valley 63-55 in a Schuylkill League boys’ basketball quarterfinals game Saturday at Martz Hall.

“Our kids were in some tough spots defensively, which led to some easy buckets,” Crimson Tide coach Jake Wartella said about the Dawgs length. “We feel like we’re a little better defensively, but credit to (Tri-Valley). They did some great things offensively and found a way to get some buckets.

“But I’m proud of our kids. They found a way to get a good playoff win and advance to the next round.”

Pottsville (17-6) led from the start 5-0 after JuJu Bainbridge hit a 3-pointer and added a pair of free throws. The Crimson Tide didn’t surrender the lead all game, but the Dawgs never strayed far.

Blake Schwartz grabbed and offensive rebound and saw his put-back layup fall before the first quarter buzzer for Tri-Valley as the Dawgs trailed 15-13 at the end of the frame.

Alvarez pushed Pottsville’s lead to 18-13 as the second quarter kicked off as he netted a 3 off an assist from Bainbridge.

Braeden Doyle split a pair of free for Tri-Valley and Alvarez quickly collected two more points on the other end for the Tide. After a slew of empty possessions on each side, Alvarez hit another 3 with 5:11 left to play before half.

Owen Miller found a slashing Trey Porter for two for the Dawgs before Alvarez went back to work for Pottsville. Alvarez added an offensive rebound and a recycle as the Tide led 25-16 midway through the frame.

Pottsville led 30-20 going into halftime as neither the Crimson Tide nor Tri-Valley were ready to call it.

Bainbridge, a 5-foot-11 junior guard known for his defense, was on fire with the ball in his hands for Pottsville in the third quarter. The junior guard knocked down two 3’s, totaled eight points and added a key assist by fighting through a double team to find Colin McGinley for a 3 at the buzzer.

“JuJu does everything well, that is why he’s on the court all the time,” Wartella said. “He plays great defense, but you saw he could score tonight too. He made some great shots, attacked the rim, made some great passes. He just does everything for us. Again, I’m proud of him and out team.”

Unfortunately for the Tide, Tri-Valley’s offense was picking up steam.

Doyle collected seven points in the third quarter for the Dawgs, while Porter had five and Matt Raulston added three to match Pottsville with 15 total points in the frame.

With the Crimson Tide leading Tri-Valley 45-35 heading to the fourth quarter, time was running out for a possible Dawgs’ comeback.

Letrel Montone and Porter exchanged buckets to begin the final quarter of regulation before Pottsville went empty on their second possession of the frame.

Schwartz then collected four points and another offensive rebound over the next two Tri-Valley possessions. Montone then added two more for the and Doyle countered with two for the Dawgs. Neither team was willing to budge.

Down the stretch, Miller and Gavin Klock both hit 3’s for Tri-Valley to cut the Dawgs deficit to eight. Derek Watkins went 2-for-2 from the free throw line for Pottsville before Miller added another 3 to cut the Crimson Tide’s lead to 62-55 with under 1:00 to play.

Alvarez split a pair free throw to secure Pottsville’s 63-55 victory over Tri-Valley. Bainbridge collected 14 points and Montone added 10.

For the Dawgs, Doyle finished with a game-high 18 points, while Porter chipped in 15.

The Crimson Tide advance to Wednesday’s semifinal matchup against Division I co-champion Mahanoy Area (20-2) at Martz Hall at 7:30 p.m.

The Golden Bears and the Tide split their two league contests during the regular season.

POTTSVILLE (63) — Bainbridge 4 3-4 14, McGinley 1 0-0 3, Watkins 4 3-4 11, Alvarez 7 1-2 17, Montone 3 4-5 10, Bowers 2 1-3 5, Clews 0 0-0 0, Flucker-White 0 0-0 0, Ivy 1 1-2 3. Totals 22 13-20 63.

TRI-VALLEY (55) — Schwartz 4 0-1 8, Miller 2 2-4 8, Porter 7 0-0 15, Straub 0 0-0 0, Raulston 1 1-1 3, Doyle 6 5-7 18, Wehry 0 0-0 0. Totals 21 8-13 55.

Potts (17-6)   15 … 15 … 15 … 18 — 63

TV (16-7)   13 … 7 … 15 … 20 — 55

3-point FGs: Bainbridge 3, McGinley, Alvarez 2, Miller 2, Porter, Doyle, Klock

Officials: Strobl, Marquardt, Brown