Cameron County, Coudersport showdown Monday

One of the biggest boys' basketball games in a long time takes place on Monday night, when the Cameron County Red Raiders travel to Coudersport in a critical battle.

A Falcon win pretty much wraps up the Northern Tier League title, while a Raider upset would force a tie atop the standings.

Cameron County dominated the boards in a 65-44 win over visiting Northern Potter Thursday night. Jordan Crane (14 points) and Jason Sestina (13 points) combined for 24 rebounds to lead the Raiders. Daniel Sullivan added 13 poins while Charles Holjencin dished out 10 assists.

Coudersport junior John Hau exploded for 31 points, while two other juniors, Derek Burdick and Blair Heimel added 15 and 14, respectively, in the Falcons' 84-40 win at Oswayo Valley.

Austin saw a 19-4 lead over visiting Otto-Eldred vanish in a 50-34 defeat.

On Monday, Cameron County stayed on Coudersport's heels with a 59- 46 win at Port Allegany, while the Falcons rolled over visiting Austin, 77-23.

Crane (19), Holjencin (14) and Sullivan (13) powered the Cameron County scoring parade. Heimel (16 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocks), Hau (16 points), Colton Corey (14 points) and Burdick (5 assists) led Coudersport

Last Friday, Heimel returned from an ankle injury to score 16 points and grab 12 rebounds in Coudersport's tight 45-41 win at Smethport. Corey hit eight of 10 free throws and played solid defense on Zac Kossack to preserve the Falcons win. Burdick sank a pair of treys. A 20-of-24 performance at the foul line lifted the Falcons. Smethport's Matt Johnson finished with a gamehigh 20 points.

Crane's 14 points and 10 rebounds helped Cameron County top visiting Otto- Eldred, 47-36. Sullivan had 13 points (3 treys) and eight steals.

Austin notched its first win of the season with a strong second half against Port Allegany. Tim Cheplic had 16 points and eight assists in the Panthers' 57- 55 win. Josh Bundy scored 18 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for the winners. Adam Walker scored nine of his 13 points on three-pointers, including a clutch trey down the stretch. Mike Dieffenderfer was six-ofsix from the foul line.

League standings

Coudersport 10-0, Cameron County 9-1, Smethport 7-3, Northern Potter 5-5, Oswayo Valley 3-7, Otto-Eldred 3-7, Port Allegany 2-8, Austin 1-9.

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

Thursday: Coudersport at Northern Potter, Cameron County at Austin, Otto-Eldred at Port Allegany, Smethport at Oswayo Valley.

Saturday, Feb. 10: Wellsboro at Coudersport (non-league)