Raider boys stay on Falcons' heels

Cameron County continues to nip at frontrunning Coudersport's heels as the Northern Tier Boys' Basketball League passes its midpoint. There will likely be plenty riding on the rematch of those two squads on Monday, Feb. 5, at Coudersport.

The Red Raiders (11-4) assumed sole possession of second place on Tuesday night by turning away the visiting Smethport Hubbers (14-3), 56- 49. Cameron County coach John Barnhart was pleased with the way his role players supplemented the offensive production of Jordan Crane (22 points, 11 assists) and Daniel Sullivan (15 points).

Elsewhere, strong man-toman defense helped Coudersport (14-1) pull away early in a 52-22 win over Otto- Eldred (4-13). John Hau had 13 points and eight rebounds for the Falcons, while Colton Corey scored 15 points.

Austin (0-17) faded after a promising start in a 72-41 loss to Oswayo Valley (7-9). Adam Walker had 13 points and Matt Smith nine rebounds for the Panthers.

Last Friday, Cameron County controlled the boards, ran a quick transition game and easily dispatched Oswayo Valley, 83-51. Crane (26) and Sullivan (21) each hit a pair of three-pointers.

Hau (17) and Derek Burdick (15) led the offensive charge as Coudersport shook off a sluggish first half and won 59- 37 at Port Allegany. The Falcons led 29-28 at the break.

Austin fell into a 16-3 hole and lost at Smethport, 54-24, despite playing tough defense. Walker hit four treys for the Panthers.

League Standings

Coudersport 7-0, Cameron County 6-1, Smethport 5-2, Northern Potter 4-3, Port Allegany 2-5, Otto-Eldred 2-5, Oswayo Valley 2-5, Austin 0-7

Friday's games: Coudersport at Smethport, Otto-Eldred at Cameron County, Port Allegany at Austin, Northern Potter at Oswayo Valley.

Monday's games: Austin at Coudersport, Cameron County at Port Allegany, Smethport at Northern Potter, Oswayo Valley at Otto-Eldred.