by Ryan Mosher
With the Heatly Hornets already crowned CHVL champs, the final game of the season for both Berlin and the Hornets was more of a formality. The Mountaineers started strong with Drew Webster, Brent Demick and Chris Zema scoring in the first minute and a half to give Berlin a 6-2 lead. Unfortunately for Berlin, it would be their only lead of the game.
The Hornets’ speed and relentless defense hounded Berlin all game, pressuring the Mountaineers into turnover after turnover. Casey Gilbert connected on one of two free throws at the end of the first quarter to make it Heatly 18, Berlin 14.
After extending their lead to six points, Berlin scored six unanswered points in the opening minutes of the second quarter to tie the score at 20-20. The Hornets responded by going on an 11-4 run, and taking a 31-24 lead into the half.
The third quarter was brutal for Berlin as they managed to score just 8 points. The Hornets stretched their lead out to 16 points heading into the final quarter. In the final quarter Coach Webster used much of his bench to give them some minutes against a good team. Their final tune-up before Sectionals did not go the way they wanted, but once sectionals start, it is the beginning of a brand new season.
Zema led the Mountaineers with 22 points and six rebounds. Brent Demick scored 11 points and grabbed six rebounds. With his performance this season, Zema finished second in points per game and total points in all of Section II and also led the CHVL in scoring and three-pointers.