Deer Lakes tops Valley to continue section hot streak

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, January 11, 2019 | 10:51 PM

Once again, Deer Lakes used the formula of strong defense and solid foul shooting that has led to the Lancers’ best section start in 32 years.

Deer Lakes went 10 for 10 from the foul line in the third period and held Valley scoreless for a 6-minute, 18-second stretch en route to a 61-43 victory Friday night in a Section 3-3A showdown in New Kensington.

It marks the first time the Lancers have reached 5-0 in section play since 1987. Deer Lakes is 8-4 overall.

Brad Perrotte led the way with 25 points, including 13 of 17 from the free-throw line.

“Years past, on the road, especially in this atmosphere, I don’t know if we would have done this,” Lancers coach Terance Parham said. “I think we’re maturing a little bit and know that everybody going to give us their best shot because of our unblemished record. It’s new to these guys.”

Meanwhile, Valley was going for its first 5-0 section start since 2004. The Vikings (4-6 overall) never led but held Deer Lakes close until hitting a scoreless spell to end the first half and begin the second half.

David Primus had 10 of Valley’s 19 points in the first half but picked up his fourth personal foul midway through the third period.

“I thought the key was taking care of the ball and getting good shots,” Vikings coach Mark Faulx said. “We didn’t take great shots but gave up great shots. It makes it hard to win a basketball game.”

Eddie Hyatt finally ended Valley’s dry spell with a 3-pointer with 5:28 left in the third quarter to bring the Vikings deficit to 27-19, but Deer Lakes led by double digits the rest of the way.

“We say one quarter at a time, one possession at a time,” Parham said. “We spend a ton of time shooting foul shots, and it’s slowly but surely paying off for us.”

Said Faulx: “In order for us to take another step as a team, we have to learn to pressure without fouling. That’s another bottom line for us. We need to be aggressive and apply pressure , but we can’t bail them out with fouls.”

Jared Colton added 12 points and seven rebounds for the Lancers, and Jack Hollibaugh gathered seven rebounds.

Primus scored 12 before fouling out in the fourth period. Hyatt added 11, and Roman Flenory pulled down 11 rebounds.

“We know Valley was undermanned this time,” Parham said. “We know next time around if they get everybody back, it’ll be a different game but we hope for the same result.”

The Vikings played without seniors Nyjewel Carter and Deonte Ross because of a situation Valley athletic director Muzzy Colosimo said is being handled within the school district.

Deer Lakes will host Shady Side Academy on Tuesday to end the first half of section action and will play five of its next six games at home.

George Guido is a freelance writer.

Tags: Deer Lakes, Valley