Roth & Co. have winning weekend
The Wolverines Boys Basketball team tipped off their season Friday night at the Geneva College / Midland Tip-Off Classic against Rochester while also competing in their second game of the season against Mercer in the Laurel Tip-Off Classic on Saturday mid-afternoon. The Wolverines walked away from both games with victories to start the season 2-0.
Leading the charge during the weekend for the Wolverines was Junior Center Joseph Roth, who picked up right where he left off from last year, where he totaled 458 points (17.6 PPG) and 322 rebounds (12.4 RPG) in 26 games . Joseph totaled 29 points and 17 rebounds in game one, while adding 27 points and 16 rebounds in game two of the season. It may be just two games into the regular season, but Roth is averaging 28 and 16 to start the season. With the 56 points this weekend, Joseph is officially at 880 points in his career.
Friday, Game 1: EC 56 - 35 Rochester
Ellwood City started game one of the season hot from two-point range taking a 17-4 lead into the second quarter. The Wolverines continued the hot start against the Rams into the second quarter, taking a commanding 30-10 lead. The Wolverines would finish the night 18-33 from two-point range while shooting 14-22 from the free throw line. Contributions not only from Roth, but a solid 13 points by Sophomore Will Nardone helped carry the way for the Wolverines.
Saturday, Game 2: EC 58 - 46 Mercer
The Wolverines started with several turnovers in game two against Mercer Mustangs leading to a 14-10 deficit after the first quarter. However, Roth and a great contribution from the bench by Freshmen Aaron Lake in the second had the Wolverines go on a 20-0 run to start the second quarter. Just as the Wolverines seemed to pull away, Mercer finished the quarter on a 6-0 run to cut the halftime lead to 34-20. Mercer fought back in quarter three, as the sharp-shooter Balaski for the Mustangs went 5-10 in the second half from three-point range to cut the lead down to just 3 points going into quarter four. As well as the Mustangs fought back, Joseph Roth was just no match for Mercer as Roth helped the Wolverines pull away late for the 12 point victory on the night.
Turnovers have been a struggle to start the year for the Wolverines as both games saw a total of 20 plus turnovers respectfully. The Wolverines also have struggled from three-point range, going 3-20 (15%). However, things look good close to the hoop as the Wolverines have shot 37-62 (60%) from two-point range and 31-50 (62%) from the free-throw line, earning the easy points in efficient fashion.
The Wolverines will have a day to make adjustments as Ellwood City will travel back to Laurel High School to take on the Spartans Monday night for the last game of the tip-off tournament. Game time is slated for 7:30 PM with coverage from ECS as well as Laurel High School’s Hudl stream.
