– The Herald's Local Sports Roundup –

Note regarding sports: Please be patient with the Herald as we seek a new sports editor. Longtime Herald Sports Editor Brian Hess moved on to another job in early March. We are working to find his replacement, but it will take a while because we want to get the right person for the job.

Coaches, please help us get the news of your team into the Herald by sending it to news@mcheraldonline.com. Be sure to place the sporting event in context by using actual dates, not “last Friday.” Include all the relevant details, because we will not be able to contact you for follow-up. We will publish as many reports of local sports as possible.

If you have any questions, please contact Publisher Allan J. Bassler at 793-2144 or news@mcheraldonline.com.

Thank you for your patience.

Note: Sports events are placed newest to oldest.

PANTHERS CLAIM FIRST-EVER ICC OVERALL TITLE

Northern Bedford sought revenge and their first-ever overall ICC Championship in Boys Basketball at Claysburg-Kimmel HS on Monday night.

The Panthers achieved both. NB reversed two regular season losses to Southern Huntingdon in thoroughly dominating the Rockets when it counted most, 58-43 in the ICC Championship Game.

NB ran out to a double-digit lead in the first quarter, mostly by capitalizing on numerous SHC turnovers. NB had increased their lead to 31-15 by halftime and the Panthers didn’t let up, increasing the lead to as much as 24 points, at 49-25 late in the third period.

“I’m very proud of this group and happy for our Seniors that they were able to end their careers with this Championship,” said Coach Randy Meck of his 14-7 squad. “Many teams would’ve come out flat after a heartbreaking District Championship game loss but these guys showed a lot of heart and played with enthusiasm and desire tonight.”

Caleb Diehl led the Panthers with 19 points and Hayden Foor added 11 for NB. It was the Panthers’ third all-time appearance in the Championship Game and first title.

PANTHERS FALL IN DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP

Northern Bedford’s end of game magic came to an end in the District Championship Saturday night at Bedford High School. Conemaugh Township held on for a 62-55 victory over the Panthers.

NB, who had won two close thrilling playoff games earlier in the week, came storming back after being down big at the half only to fall short.

The Panthers trailed 34-18 at halftime but a huge 25-8 edge in the third quarter saw NB leading 43-42 entering the fourth.

The teams traded leads early but 5 points in two consecutive possessions by the Indians gave them enough cushion to hold on for the win. “We made a great comeback and I’m proud of the kids effort but that second quarter really hurt us,” said Coach Randy Meck. NB was outpointed 20-6 in the 2nd frame.

Hayden Foor (15) and Caleb Diehl (14) fronted the Panther offensive attack. The Panthers, now 13-7, have the ICC Championship game vs Southern Huntingdon remaining.

PANTHERS MARCH INTO D5 FINALS, DEFEAT RAMBLERS

Northern Bedford traveled to Windber last Wednesday evening with the goal of a District 5 Championship on their minds. The Panthers came from behind with a stellar effort from the free throw line and defensively in the fourth quarter to get a 42-38 win over the Ramblers and a trip to the Championship Game.

“We’re going to enjoy this tonight but we have more work to do to reach our goal,” said Coach Randy Meck.

Windber led 19-16 at the half and maintained that three point edge as the teams entered the crucial fourth period. With a little over 5-minutes left and down 4, the Panthers got back to back treys from Dakota Claar and Caleb Diehl to take a 35-33 lead.

Northern survived a flurry of open Windber three-point attempts and an opportunity by the Ramblers at the charity stripe to tie it with :08 left.

“We knew it was going to be a battle and in the end we made one more play than they did,” Meck said.

NB was 7-10 from the free throw line in the fourth period with the biggest 2 coming from Thad Leidy with just :06 left to seal the win. Leidy led Northern with 9 points.

NB will simultaneously compete for the D5-AA and ICC crowns over the next couple days playing at Williamsburg in an ICC Semifinal Thursday and facing Conemaugh Twp. in the 5-AA final at Bedford on Saturday.

LADY PANTHERS OUSTED AT CONEMAUGH TWP.

Northern Bedford’s Girls Basketball season came to a conclusion last Friday night in the District 5-AA Quarterfinal round.

The Panthers struggled early and could not mount a comeback late in losing by a 59-34 score to host Conemaugh Twp.

“We struggled more than I thought we would with their press,” said Coach Jon Ewart. The Panthers held their only lead of the night, at 5-4, on a Mariah Hall trey midway through the first period.

The Indians scored the rest of the points in the first and took control in the second as they led 26-13 at the half.

Senior Makayla Kochara led NB’s balanced scoring with six points.

“I am thankful to our two seniors for their hard work and help in developing the younger players this year,” concluded Coach Ewart on his 3-10 squad.

PANTHERS ADVANCE TO SEMIFINALS

Northern Bedford advanced to the District 5-AA Semifinals with a convincing 56-29 win over visiting Tussey Mountain last Thursday night.

The Panthers used a big 17-4 second quarter advantage to overcome an early Tussey lead. The Titans led by as much as 3, at 11-8 late in the first quarter before NB went on a run to open up a double digit 26-15 halftime lead. The Titans would never get within 10 points of the Panthers the rest of the way. “We wanted to play a fast up tempo style and it took us a little bit to get it going. Once we began attacking the rim instead of setting for jump-shots we took control,” said NB Coach Randy Meck.

Caleb Diehl had a huge night for NB canning 26 points. Thad Leidy, with 10, was the other Panther in double figures.

NB will travel to Windber Wednesday evening for the District 5-AA semifinals. A win there would propel them to the District 5 Championship Game on Saturday March 13.

CENTRAL OUTLASTS NB, 45-34

Central and Northern Bedford were locked in a tight back-and-forth game for the first half march 2 until a third-quarter surge by the Dragons gave them enough cushion to outlast host NBC, 45-34 in non-conference girls’ basketball action.

The teams traded leads throughout the first half with the Dragons forging a 23-18 haltime lead, largely due to converting some Panther turnovers in the final two minutes of the half.

Central was paced by Bailey