Wilson outlasts Methacton in action packed 6A matchup By: Tyler Harden

COLLEGEVILLE— Wilson and Methacton are not only two of the best teams in the 6A class, but also two of the best teams in the state overall. Today’s matchup would settle who is better, and it was not clear until the buzzer sounded.

Wilson got off to a great start with an 8-2 lead before Methacton called a timeout. “We were definitely hype, knowing this team was third in the state”, Wilson Guard, Stevie Mitchell, said, “it would be a good opportunity for us to show what we can do, and a great test for us because obviously they are a good team.” Then 6 foot 10 big man, Jeffrey Woodward, went to work for Methacton, as he showed his ability to take initiative in the paint with two straight layups. Woodward is committed to Colgate University. Wilson, however, managed to keep their lead, as they always answered whenever Methacton put points on the board. That was until Brett Eberly gave Methacton the lead with an and one to end the first quarter.

The second quarter revealed how evenly matched both teams were. Wilson managed to get the lead back with a layup by Avanti Lockhart. Lockhart then hit a big three to put the Bulldogs up 30-24. Methacton then started to gain some momentum, led by Erik Timko who scored 17 points in the first half. But Stevie Mitchell, who had 10 points before going to the line, hit two free throws to give Wilson a 33-30 lead going into the half.

To start the second half, Jeffrey Woodward and Brett Eberly led Methacton to tie with Wilson at 37. Shortly after, Woodward gave the Warriors the lead with a great contested layup. But Stevie Mitchell was keeping the Bulldogs in the game. He took advantage of his several trips to the foul line, and was executing his mid range jumper in key situations. Mitchell hit two more foul shots to tie the game at 47 going into the final quarter.

After 3 of the 4 quarters were complete, many people knew the 4th quarter was going to be action packed. Woodward really took control with his big man skill set, as he gave Methacton a 55-51 lead with two straight layups.

But Wilson found the rhythm they needed. Stevie Mitchell found Evin Timochenko with a great pass and brought the game back to a tie at 56. Timochenko had a huge block on defense to give the Bulldogs the ball back. Shortly after, Mykel Huffman was sent to the line for Wilson with the chance to give them the lead and potentially win the game. He hit both free throws to give Wilson a 58-56 lead with 4.7 seconds left in the game. Methacton had a chance to win the game with a three, but the shot was missed and Wilson left with a 58-56 win. “I feels great, definitely a team effort”, Mitchell said, “it feels great to come here, play in a hostile environment, and get a good win.”