Hornell – 64, Geneseo – 57, Picco, Picco, Evingham lead the way
From Hornell High School Athletics, photo by Steve Harrison
The Hornell Red Raiders, with grit and determination, kept their win streak alive Friday night with a win over the tough Geneseo Blue Devils.
The teams were neck and neck throughout the first half of the game, with six different lead changes in the first 16 minutes of play. The Red Raiders found themselves with a 5 point lead early in the 2nd quarter, but the Blue Devils answered back and grew their lead to as much as 7 before the break. At the end of the first half, Geneseo led 31-28.
A strong effort by the Blue Devils in the third quarter, including four 3-pointers by four different players sent the Geneseo boys on a rally, and, after a quick three to start the 4th quarter, they were up by 12 points over the Red Raiders with just under eight minutes to play.
A four-point play by Wyatt Evingham cut the deficit to eight, and Hornell went on a rally of their own. The Red Raiders went on a 24-5 run to come out on top, 64-57.
“We had a gut check tonight,” said Hornell coach Kirk Scholes. “Down 12 in the 4th, the kids never gave in. We got more aggressive, rebounded better, drove the ball with more authority, and found a way to win a game. To finish the game on a 24-5 run shows that we are never out of it. We can put up points in a hurry when we get stops and make the right play at the offensive end of the floor.”
“Geneseo was outstanding all night,” continued Scholes. “Their dribble penetration and 3-point shooting hurt us. They have a scrappy team that competes hard.
“Gennaro, PJ, and Wyatt carried the load offensively. I thought they played off each other well, especially in the 2nd half.” Gennaro Picco led all scorers with 22 points on the night. He also grabbed 8 rebounds and had 4 assists and 3 steals. PJ Picco also had 8 rebounds, 19 points and 3 assists, while Wyatt Evingham added 15 points on the night. Aaron McInerney led all players with 9 rebounds and added 4 assists of his own in the winning effort.
Geneseo’s Jackson Willis led his team with 15 points on the night. He also led all players with 5 steals. Kellen O’Brien and Oren Ray each tallied 13 points. Ray also grabbed 7 rebounds and added 5 assists.
The Red Raiders will host the Livonia Bulldogs Monday night with tipoff at 7pm. Tune in to Peish Sports for live action.
Game Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/video/2/231499/657e9136386ddb0ce8d58c01
