Panthers Victorious, Wolverines Fall in Section Finales

The Riverside boys basketball team used a strong first quarter to run away from Mohawk and claim victory in their Section 1-3A finale Tuesday while the Ellwood City Wolverines saw an slim, early lead quickly evaporate in their section finale defeat at the hands of Lincoln Park.

Both teams had already clinched playoff berths and will look forward to the release of the WPIAL playoff brackets. Riverside finished section play at 4-6 while Ellwood City finished 5-5 in Section 1-3A. The two head-to-head victories by the Wolverines over Riverside in the regular season may prove pivotal in playoff seedings.

Riverside was led by Elijah DeMarco’s game high 15 points in their 60-37 victory over Mohawk (5-15 overall). The Panthers also received double-digit scoring efforts from Gunnar Boehm (11 points) and Austin Dambach (12 points). Riverside used a strong 21-7 first quarter cushion to cruise to victory.

For Ellwood City, a slim 11-10 first quarter lead quickly evaporated as Lincoln Park used 27-3 second quarter rush to separate themselves from the Wolverines, eventually finding victory at a 69-52 margin.

Senior Anthony Roth led the charge for the Wolverines offense, scoring 19 points, with nine points during the third period. He also contributed three rebounds and one steal.

Broc Boariu (14 points) and Rick Pitrelli (6 points) each had multiple three-pointers for Ellwood City. Keeno Holmes led Lincoln Park (14-5 overall) with 18 points (7 rebounds, 6 assists).

Also chipping in for Lincoln were Luca Botti (5 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists 2 steals), Sean Busby (4 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks), Ryan Busby (2 points, 1 rebound), and Nico Lucarelli (2 points).

Ellwood City (13-8 overall) finished the game with 27 rebounds (8 offensive / 19 defensive), two blocks and seven steals.