Leechburg boys move to 3-1 after defeating St. Joseph

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, December 12, 2017 | 11:15 PM

After four games in five nights, Leechburg boys basketball has earned a day off.

The Blue Devils advanced their record to 3-1 with an 87-63 nonsection victory Tuesday night at St. Joseph at Walter Dlubak Center.

Senior Christian Hack led six players in double figures with 18 points, after accounting for just one first-half field goal.

“Hats off to my guys,” Leechburg coach Corey Smith said. “Four games in five nights; the legs are hurting, and we're off tomorrow.”

Sophomore Jake Blumer had 14 points and 11 rebounds, and freshman Dylan Cook also registered a double-double with 12 points and 12 assists.

The Blue Devils were scoreless more than two minutes into the game, but caught fire quickly. Blumer's basket with 2.3 seconds left in the opening quarter put Leechburg ahead 18-8.

The Blue Devils controlled the boards in the second quarter, staging a 17-1 run at one point to take control.

Solid passing to forwards Tyler Leech and Nico Venanzio helped propel the Leechburg offense.

“Due to St. Joe's lack of size, we thought we could get the ball inside, and we did,” Smith said. “We practiced that, and we talked about it. We game-planned it, and we executed.”

“They came to play,” Spartans coach Kelly Robinson said. “We seemed to be just a step slower, and that's just how Leechburg plays. They came out hard and aggressive. They always have, and they always will.”

Freshman Andrew Sullivan had another stellar game for St. Joseph (2-1) with 24 points and four steals. He's averaging 20 points over his brief career.

But junior Daniel Fábregas, playing with a hand injury, earned plaudits with a 16-point effort.

“Our trainer did a great job getting him ready,” Robinson said. “He gutted it out, and he played hard. I can't say enough about his effort. You have to tip your hat to someone who plays with intensity, even with an injury.”

After falling behind by as much as 24 in the second quarter, the Spartans cut it to 17 three times in the third quarter, but Leechburg always seemed to have an answer.

“The first few minutes of the second half means everything,” Smith said. “I think that sets the tone for the second half. When you execute, when you share the basketball and play together, those are the results.”

Leechburg got strong bench play from Cook and Nico Venanzio, who contributed 10 points, including going 4 for 4 from the free-throw line.

Reserves Antonio Yurjevich and John Sorisio added 3-point baskets in the fourth quarter, as the Blue Devils built their lead to 81-54.

Tyler Leech had 13 points and John Miskinis 11 to bolster the Blue Devils.

St. Joseph cut the lead to 19 twice in the fourth quarter, but the Spartans couldn't get any closer.

“When you fall behind like that, you start taking chances, defensively,” Robinson said. “Next thing you know, they capitalize, get guys open under the bucket, and things multiply. It just snowballs quickly.”

Grant Bendis had 12 points and six rebounds for the Spartans.

Leechburg will begin Section 1-2A play Friday night at Riverview.St. Joseph will have eight days before its next game against Apollo-Ridge. The Spartans start Section 3-A action Dec. 22 at Imani Christian.

George Guido is a freelance writer.

Tags: Leechburg, St. Joseph