PHOTOS BY STEVE HARRISON
Hornell improves to 5-1 on the season with a win over the Haverling Rams 72-43 on Friday night. The Red Raiders came out strong both defensively and offensively ending the first quarter with a 28-11 lead. That lead grew to 45-22 at the half.
The Red Raiders’ full court press wreaked havoc on their opponents once again. The point man on the press, Wyatt Argentieri, led the team with 7 steals and had 8 deflections on the night. Shawn Rose topped the team with 9 deflections.
“I thought we played well defensively,” reflected head coach Kirk Scholes. “The kids were flying around in the press. Wyatt Argentieri’s energy was outstanding. He just plays so hard, and he sets the tone for us defensively.” Hornell’s solid defense continued with Gates Miller and PJ Picco with 4 steals apiece.
To start out the second half, Gennaro Picco hit a three from the corner to surpass his 1000th career varsity point. “Gennaro had another great performance with 27 points,” said Scholes. “Hitting 1000 career points early in his junior year is an outstanding accomplishment. The game has slowed down for him. He’s in a good groove shooting the ball, and he’s always on the attack. The best part, though, is that he’s putting up numbers while being incredibly efficient. He’s shooting a very high percentage from the floor. He’s in total control of the game and making the right play. It was truly a special night and one I hope he remembers forever.”
Several key players led the Red Raiders offensively. Shawn Rose led the team with 5 assists and chipped in 6 points. Aaron McInerney came off the bench with a strong performance as well. He went 5/6 and added 10 points and one assist for the Raiders. Gates Miller came away with 9 points and 3 assists in the win.
Jacob Hagadone led the Haverling Rams with 15 points. Gavin Price and Austin Durand each added 8 points on the night.
JUNIOR VARISTY
In JV news, three Hornell Red Raiders put up double-digit numbers to lead their team to a 49-37 victory over the Haverling Rams. Kellen Crowe led Hornell with 14 points, and Demayne Dixon & Austyn Gollnitz added 13 and 11 respectively. Eric Corney-Hendrix led all scorers with 16 points for the Rams.
WHAT’S NEXT
The Red Raiders have a break before traveling to Avon on December 27th.
“That will be a big test for us,” remarked Scholes. “They have won sectionals three years in a row and are a very good team. We look forward to the challenge after the holiday.”
