Rivalry matchup between Deer Lakes, Burrell to test Class 3A’s top-ranked teams

By: Jerin Steele
Thursday, January 4, 2024 | 3:10 PM

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Burrell and Deer Lakes are separated by 12 miles. They are even closer in the Trib HSSN boys basketball rankings.

The Lancers are ranked first in Class 3A, and the Bucs are second, so an already-intense rivalry has an extra ingredient this year.

Each team will have a chance to make the first statement and grab an important win in the Section 3 standings when they square off at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Deer Lakes.

“I always tell our guys that if you’re in those type of games, you’re doing something right,” Burrell coach Mike Fantuzzo said. “These are the games that are fun to play, so we’re just looking forward to the challenge. They’re the defending (WPIAL) champions, so until we beat them, they’re going to continue to be that.”

Fantuzzo said the atmosphere in the gym Friday should be electric, and Deer Lakes coach Albie Fletcher echoed that sentiment. Both know the Burrell/Deer Lakes rivalry well. They are coaching at their respective alma maters.

The Lancers are the defending WPIAL Class 3A champions and state runners-up, but they know they will have a battle on their hands. Burrell has won three of the last four meetings. The teams split last year’s series, each winning on their home floor.

“We’re excited to play in yet another big game against a quality opponent,” Fletcher said. “Our two contests with them last year were very good games with large crowds that produced a great environment for the kids. We’re fairly certain that it’ll be a great atmosphere again on Friday, so we’re looking forward to it.”

Deer Lakes graduated four starters from its WPIAL championship team but has plenty of contributors back. The Lancers are close to full strength as well. Nathaniel Moore made his debut against Derry on Dec. 19 after missing time because of an injury he suffered during football season.

Billy Schaeffer, Wayne Love, Collin Rodgers, Aiden Fletcher, J.T. McCue and Luca Mangieri have scored in double figures. The Lancers have a couple of impressive road wins on their resume at Yough and at Mohawk, which went into double overtime.

“It’s come along very well,” Fletcher said. “These guys had valuable minutes and played big roles in what we were able to accomplish last year. Being on a big stage isn’t something that’s new to them. Starting the year playing Armstrong and Kiski Area and going on the road to play ranked Yough and Mohawk teams, these guys have stepped up and done a great job.”

Burrell recently returned from a trip to Florida over the holiday break and beat Derry, 55-35, in section play on Tuesday. Deer Lakes also beat Derry, 71-61, early this season.

The Bucs have an impressive road win on their resume as well, going to OLSH and winning 43-40 on Dec. 5. It’s an experienced group led by senior guard Macky Bennis and junior guard Tucker Bitar. Joey Discello, Dylan McKalip, Esau King-Buchak, Maliq Buchak, Ryan Croushore and Colter Christie are seniors who give the Bucs plenty of depth.

The current seniors have state playoff experience from two years ago during a run that was led by Brandon Coury. Bennis and Bitar started on that team. They went into Deer Lakes that season and scored a big win. They hope to do the same Friday night.

“Our guys have played against Deer Lakes each of the last three years, so they know what to expect,” Fantuzzo said. “They know how to practice. They know what they need to bring. We preach that no matter who we’re playing we have to practice hard and get better. They know what’s coming.”

Jerin Steele is a freelance writer

Tags: Burrell, Deer Lakes