Salisbury Boys Basketball Defeats Pine Grove, Captures District 11 2A Championship

The Salisbury High School varsity boys basketball team defeated Pine Grove Saturday to capture the District 11 2A title.  The Salisbury Falcons used a late surge to capture a 60-54 victory over the Pine Grove Cardinals in the tournament played in Pottsville High School's Martz Hall.

Salisbury (19-7) and Pine Grove (21-5) changed leads throughout the entire game, with no team reaching a double-digit cushion throughout the game. It was ultimately Salisbury that prevailed and continues its remarkable season on the court.

Salisbury and Pine Grove battled back and forth throughout the first quarter. Mike Schantz notched 8 points in the opening quarter for Salisbury, and the Falcons led 11-9 after one, despite missing three of four foul shots in the quarter.

The second quarter proved to be much like the first. Both teams battled throughout the quarter, and neither team pulled away for a surmountable lead. After a slow start to the game, the two teams combined for 38 points in the second quarter, compared to just 20 in the first. Kyler Burke recorded 10 points in the quarter for Pine Grove, including two three-point field goals. Salisbury's Lloyd Irons was fouled on a half-court shot with time winding down in the half. With 0.1 seconds left, Irons connected on one of three free throws to maintain their lead at two, 29-27.

Both teams began the second half with the same sense of urgency seen in the first half.  Pine Grove managed to cut the lead to one point after three quarters, 39-40, despite another solid quarter from Schantz. Four players scored in the quarter for Pine Grove, with Burke adding five more points to his total.

Looking to put some pressure on the Salisbury back court, Pine Grove decided to implement its full court press, in hopes of forcing Salisbury to commit some costly turnovers. The Falcons, however, managed to keep their composure and break the full court press, resulting in a number of layups at the other end of the court. Pine Grove would not go away without a fight though.

The Cardinals used a 5-0 run to capture a 46-44 lead over the Falcons with just 5:07 to go in the final quarter. Pine Grove's Larry Zimmerman kept the Cardinals close in the final minutes, connecting on four of five foul shots, and hitting a clutch shot to bring them within two points with 50.8 seconds remaining. Zimmerman had 8 points in the quarter, but Salisbury proved to be too much down the stretch. Salisbury's Sean Baker hit a free throw with 3.4 seconds left, increasing the lead to 60-54, and essentially putting the game out of reach. Salisbury outscored Pine Grove 20-15 in the decisive fourth quarter.

Schantz, who averages 13.2 points per game, exploded for 28 points against Pine Grove. Irons added 13 points for the Falcons.

Pine Grove had three players score in double figures, with Burke leading the way with 20 points. Burke hit five of six free throws and added three three-point field goals in the game. Zimmerman added 11 points and David Hafer notched 10 points in the loss to Salisbury.

Salisbury will continue its remarkable season and quest for a state championship. Salisbury's next opponent and game are to be determined.