On Wednesday December 11th, the Green Knights of Pen Argyl traveled to face the Lehighton Indians for a Colonial League game of boys basketball. Pen Argyl entered the game 0-4 while Lehighton stood 4-1. After a competitive first quarter, the Indians were able to pull away from the Green Knights to dominate the scoreboard for the remainder of the game and take the win. Both teams were hot from the three-point line with a combined total of 17 made three-pointers. Senior Joe Roth led the Indians in points with his 21, and Junior Mason Soos of Pen Argyl followed closely behind with his 20.
Lehighton had the first offensive drive, but they could not capitalize. Pen Argyl answered by scoring the first basket of the game. Junior Cole Dietz of Lehighton was able to lead the Indians offensively in the first quarter. He scored 15 of his 20 points just in the first eight minutes, including his three, three-pointers. Pen Argyl’s defense did a good job of keeping the Indians from driving to the basket. At the end of the first quarter the Indians led the Green Knights 24-11.
In the second quarter, both teams seemed to connect better. Soos of Pen Argyl scored eight of their ten points in this quarter. Six of those points came from three-pointers. The Indian’s John Light and Aiden Solt each put up a three-pointer to contribute to the 11 points Lehighton scored in this quarter. Going into the half the Indians held their lead 35-21.
In the third quarter, the Indians really began to pull away from the Green Knights. Lehighton’s 25 points compared to Pen Argyl’s eight allowed them to do so. Pen Argyl’s defense began to loosen, and Lehighton took advantage of every opportunity they could. Aiden Solt, a junior from Lehighton, had breakout moments both offensively and defensively. He was able to execute his offensive role and score eight points for the Indians. Soos continued to lead Pen Argyl in points this quarter. Lehighton led 60-29 going into the final quarter of the game. Although down by a decent amount, Pen Argyl continued to fight until the very end. They were able to score more in the fourth quarter than any quarter of the game. However, the Indians did not back down. Joe Roth and John Light of Lehighton played to win in the final eight minutes. Sophomore Tommy Blair of Lehighton saw playing time and was able to contribute a three-pointer for the Indians. The final score was Lehighton 76 Pen Argyl 41.
With this win, Lehighton improved to 5-1 while Pen Argyl fell to 0-5.The Indians will face Salisbury away on Saturday, December 14th at 12:45 am. Pen Argyl will play Northern Lehigh, at home, this Friday, December 13th at 7:00 pm. This was an engaging game of Colonial League basketball that was accompanied by an energetic crowd and student section.
