Panthers Rule in Overtime

For Wilson and Saucon fans alike, Tuesday night's game may have seemed like a repeat of previous meetings between the two varsity teams, in which both schools have won close, hard-fought contests. Evenly matched and with a score that reflected only minor errors, Tuesday's contest at Southern Lehigh High School was no exception. Fans on both sides were treated to an exciting, action-packed game that was ultimately won by the Panthers, who in the process secured a coveted ticket to Friday's Colonial League championship game versus Salisbury.

Saucon Valley came out strong to lead early in the game, with tough play by big man , who scored 6 of his 18 points in the first period. Wilson's excellent performance in pulling down rebounds and shooting from the perimeter allowed the Warriors to rally to a tied score at halftime (22-22).

In the second half, Saucon once again came out strong, outscoring Wilson 9-6 in the third period. However, the team struggled to make baskets in the fourth period, creating opportunties for Wilson. Excellent shooting by Wilson closed the gap with the Panthers, and with 22 seconds left in the game, Wilson's Gerald Terry tipped a ball over Frans' outstretched arms, which bobbled around the rim before bouncing into the basket. Although Saucon still had time to make a winning basket, a series of fumbled shots resulted in the game going into overtime.

In overtime play fouls by Wilson sent the Panthers to the foul line numerous times. Excellent foul shooting by Saucon Valley (who shot 6 for 8 in the overtime period) compared to Wilson (who were 2 for 4 from the foul line) resulted in the advantage the Panthers needed to break the tie. Although a final second clutch 3-pointer thrown up by Wilson hit the rim, it dropped harmlessly off, resulting in a 47-44 win for the Panthers and a joyous celebration for their fans.

Saucon Valley is now poised to meet Salisbury in the Colonial League Championship game Friday at Liberty High School at 8pm, after the Falcons upset No. 1 seed and previously undefeated Bangor to gain a spot in the game. High school basketball fans can expect another exciting game, as both Salisbury and Saucon have won a game in their previous two match-ups during regular season play. Saucon Valley will be vying for its 13th league championship and its first since 2003.

In Panther play Tuesday night, Jon Clark scored 8 points (and was 6 for 8 from the foul line), and Tyler Mosher had 11 points and made several key steals that resulted in point conversion. Eric Frans led with 18 points and Jason Okken added 10 points (and was 4 for 6 from the foul line).