Coudy boys clinch NTL title

Colton Corey is one of four juniors in the starting lineup of a Coudersport team that is showing improvement on both offense and defense. The Falcons nailed down the Northern Tier League title Thursday night and are hoping to continue their success in the upcoming PIAA District 9 playoffs. Paul Burdick photo

Coudersport clinched the Northern Tier Boys' Basketball League championship Thursday night with an impressive 78-35 win at Northern Potter.

Once again, the presence of the Falcons' twin towers, juniors Blair Heimel (6-5) and John Hau (6-3), was too much for the Panthers. Heimel scored 20 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. Hau also delivered 20 points. The pair combined to block eight shots.

Colton Corey (10) and Logan Hathaway (9) helped swell the scoring total, while guards Drew Levavasseur and Derek Burdick led an aggressive manto man defense.

"We've shown a lot of improvement on defense and we're clicking better on offense, too," said Coudersport coach Chris Fink.

The Falcons (19-1) were coming off a 61-33 win over visiting Cameron County on Monday night. Heimel scored a game-high 21 points and pulled down 15 rebounds. Hau tallied 17 points. Hathaway and Levavasseur teamed to hold the NTL's leading scorer, Jordan Crane, to 10 points. Daniel Sullivan led the Raiders with 11.

"Our guys did a great job of controlling Crane and Sullivan and dominating the boards," Fink pointed out.

The Red Raiders (16-5) bounced back to edge a determined Austin team Thursday, 56-53, as Sullivan sank four treys on his way to a 15-point performance. Charlie Holjencin added 13 points and held up well under tough defensive pressure.

Tim Cheplic scored 20 points and had 13 rebounds for the Panthers, while teammate Adam Walker buried six threepointers.

Austin (2-20) was coming off a 50-49 win Monday at Northern Potter, behind Cheplic's 30 points.

League standings

Coudersport 12-0, Cameron County 10-2, Smethport 9-3, Northern Potter 5-7, Port Allegany 4-8, Oswayo Valley 3-9, Otto- Eldred 3-9, Austin 2-10.

Saturday: Wellsboro at Coudersport (non-league)

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

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

Friday: Cameron County at Johnsonburg (non-league)

Next Saturday: Galeton at Coudersport (non-league)

(regular season ends)