Roth Scores 31, Wolverines Knock Off Neshannock

Joseph Roth scored 31 points, including 23 in the second half, as Ellwood City knocked off Neshannock 54-47 Tuesday night at Lincoln High School.

The victory avenges a December loss to the Lancers and puts Ellwood City (10-6 Overall, 5-2 Section 3A-1) only one section victory behind section co-leaders Mohawk and Neshannock.

The Wolverines have won five consecutive games.

Ellwood City trailed for much of the first half and entered halftime down 24-19, but used a second half surge powered by Roth to stake claim to victory.

The Wolverines scored 35 second half points – 20 in the final quarter (14 by Roth) – to erase the halftime deficit.

Roth finished with 31 points (13-18 FTs), 17 rebounds, and five assists.  The senior big man sank eight of 10 free throws, including many late in the final quarter to ice the game.

Six other Wolverines scored in the victory, led by Will Nardone who scored six points off the bench.

Neshannock (13-3 Overall, 6-2 Section 3A-1) connected on seven 3-pointers in the game, including three by Matt Sopko who was one of three Lancers who finished in double figures.

The visiting Lancers entered the contest as one of two teams in Section 3A-1 with six section victories along with the Mohawk Warriors.  Ellwood City travels to Mohawk on Friday to play the section leading Warriors at 7:30 p.m.

RIVERSIDE 63 CORNELL 39

The Riverside Panthers dismissed Cornell 63-39 Tuesday night in non-section action at Riverside High School.

McCartney Plassmeyer drained four 3-pointers en route to his game high 16 points. Joining him in double figures was Rob Janis (12 points, 6-6 FTs).

Riverside led 32-24 at halftime and held Cornell to 15 second half points. The Panthers collectively connected on four 3-pointers, two by Plassmeyer, as part of their 20-point 3rd quarter eruption.

The Panthers (7-11 Overall, 2-5 Section 3A-1) next travel to New Brighton Friday night to resume section play.