Falcon boys schooled by Kennedy Catholic, 64-42

Things couldn't have started out much worse for the Coudersport Falcons during their PIAA boys' basketball playoff game Friday night at Sharon High School. Perennial District 10 powerhouse Kennedy Catholic shot out to a 16-2 lead and rolled to a 64-42 win.

Playing just a few miles from their home court in Hermitage, the Golden Eagles welcomed the Falcons after a 165-mile bus ride with defensive intensity and a super-quick offense.

KC's six-foot-four senior, Blair Rozenblad, showed little sign of a knee injury that had sidelined him for much of the season. He tallied 10 first-quarter points to send the Eagles on their way.

Sophomore guards Marsell Holden, who transferred to the private school from nearby Farrell High, and Kyle Randall fired several precision passes that prevented Coudersport from creeping back into the game.

With the officials often overlooking the hosts' hard physical contact and extra steps, infractions that traditionally are called in District 9, Coudersport's goose was cooked.

"We learned a lesson tonight," said Falcon coach Chris Fink. "At the state level, the play is much more aggressive and physical, so we've got to adjust."

"We had a solid year and we have to be happy about that," the coach continued. "Our younger kids saw what they have to do to compete at the state level. I hope they do the work over the summer to take that next big step forward."

Coudersport finished with a 24-3 record and will return four starters next season. The team bids farewell to seniors Logan Hathaway, Drew Levavasseur and Kody Frederick.

Kennedy Catholic (64): Rozenblad 8 1-1 17, Holden 5 0-0 12, Mastrian 4 0-0 9, Kaikis 1 0-0 3, Randall 3 1-2 7, Pacsi 4 0-0 8, Tomzurick 1 2-2 4, Hartman 1 0-0 2, Farmartino 1 0-1 2. Totals: 28 4- 6 64.

Coudersport (42): John Hau 6 0- 0 12, Derek Burdick 2 2-2 8, Colton Corey 3 1-2 7, Blair Heimel 3 1-1 7, Hathaway 1 0-2 3, Nate Minor 1 0-0 3, Frederick 1 0-0 2, Eric Babcock 0 0-1 0, Levavasseur 0 0-0 0, Justen Kinder 0 0-0 0. Totals: 17 4-8 42.