Wolverines Claim Mercer Christmas Tournament Championship

The Ellwood City Wolverines boys basketball team swept a mini, two-game tournament this week and claimed the Mercer Christmas Tournament championship.

The Wolverines defeated tournament host Mercer 58-37 to wrap up its championship on Wednesday

Joseph Roth led the Wolverines with 22 points (13 rebounds, six assists, three blocks) while junior Nate Williams joined him in double figures with 15 points (two 3-pointers) for Ellwood City who used a 22-point second quarter to race out to a 31-23 halftime advantage. An equally impressive 17-point final frame helped the Wolverines secure the victory. Will Nardone and Ryan Widmaier each connected on a three pointer as part of the Ellwood City scoring output.

Ellwood City was in the championship game thanks in large part to another Joseph Roth double-double on Tuesday as they defeated Saegertown 68-47 in the Wolverines first game of the tournament. Roth finished with 32 points and 14 rebounds (five assists, one 3-pointer, 7-11 FTs) to help Ellwood City earn the victory. Williams once again joined Roth in double figures with 10 points for the Wolverines who had six players contribute in the scoring column. Widmaier nailed two 3-pointers in the victory.

Ellwood City moves to 9-2 overall (1-1 Section) on the season and will continue its road journey as they travel to take on a hot-handed Mohawk team next Tuesday.