Photo gallery by Steve Harrison
The Hornell Red Raiders move on to the Section V Class B2 semifinals with a win at home against the Penn Yan Mustangs Friday night. Hornell controlled the game from tip-off and beat the visiting Mustangs 75-51. The Red Raiders came out strong and gained an early 24-12 lead after a quarter of play and increased their lead to 17 at the half. “I thought we started the game well,” said Hornell Coach Kirk Scholes. “We were on the attack offensively, and we followed the game plan defensively. The kids were locked in mentally, and it showed. We did a great job boxing out, which led to transition opportunities for us.”
Junior guard, Gennaro Picco led all scorers with 30 points on the night going 11/17 from the floor and 5/5 from the free throw line. “Gennaro got into an early rhythm offensively,” said Scholes. “He got into the paint an knocked down the floater a few times over the big [#30 Tanyon Dunning]. Later, he got into the paint and found people behind the defense. He was super efficient and got to his spots on the floor. I’m going to need him to continue to make the right play and right read whether to shoot or pass.”
Senior Wyatt Argentieri had a big night for the Raiders with 13 points and 4 assists and a team high 8 rebounds. “Wyatt played really well. He scored in the paint early. He was great on the glass. I thought he had a huge impact on both ends of the floor throughout the game,” commented Scholes.
Scholes continued, “Shawn Rose did a nice job in a few different areas. He had 9 points and 9 assists, which tells me he was being aggressive. He was making plays all over the floor. And, honestly, I really liked what PJ and Gates did defensively. I thought they took the challenge on the post. They worked hard all night. We will need that type of effort again Wednesday.” PJ Picco led the Raiders with 5 steals on the night and grabbed 7 rebounds.
Penn Yan’s Jaxon Enos led his team with 15 points in the losing effort. Liam Chapman and Tanyon Dunning each chipped in 11. Dunning also had 8 rebounds on the night.
The Red Raiders move on to the Class B2 semifinals where they take on the Wellsville Lions for the third time this season. “Wednesday night, I’m expecting a great high school basketball atmosphere,” said Scholes. “Both teams will be ready to go. We know what’s at stake, and we look forward to the challenge! It will come down to execution on both ends of the floor.”
The #1 seeded Hornell and #4 Wellsville will play on Wednesday night at the Wayland-Cohocton High School in Wayland. Tip off is scheduled for 6pm.
Steve Harrison photo gallery:
