By Matt M. Stutz

In a January 20 non-conference match-up between two of the top DIV in the area, the Pandora-Gilboa High School boy’s basketball team (12-2) ended up on the short end of a 57-48 loss to the Delphos St. John’s Bluejays (11-2).

Looking to defend the home court, the Rockets won the tip and quickly jumped out to an early 6-3 advantage in the first quarter.  The Bluejays tied it up with a three and took the lead for good one possession later. P-G found themselves down by five at the end of the first and faced a 31-22 deficit at the halftime break.

The damage for the Rockets proved to be done in the first half as the two teams played even in the second half, each scoring a total of twenty-six points in the third and fourth quarters.

P-G looked to make a run several times throughout the second half, coming within four points at one point.  But each time P-G gain some momentum, St. John’s super sophomore Cameron Elwer, who finished the night with a game high 32 points, responded with an answer. The Rockets were able to close the gap down to eight, 41-33, at the third quarter buzzer.

Aidan Morris led the Rockets offensive attack running the point guard position and putting up a season high 17 points.  Colin Harris added 10 points before fouling out.  Zack Neuenschwander caught fire from behind the arc, knocking down three 3-pointers for his 9 points.  Nate Maag and Aiden Harris each chipped in with 4 points while Owen Huffman hit a second quarter bucket and Nate Walker a fourth quarter bucket for their 2 points apiece.  

Delphos also won the JV game.

SCOREBOARD

With the tough weekend behind them, P-G will look to end their two-game losing streak next Friday night January 26 when they travel to Elmwood (3-8) in a Blanchard Valley Conference match-up.