Defense stifling in 60-37 win over East Hardy
Things got hot at the Berkeley Springs High School gymnasium on Wednesday, December 20. But it had nothing to do with the heating system, it was the result of the smothering defense played by Berkeley Springs in their 60-37 win over visiting East Hardy.
It was particularly hot during the first eight minutes of the game, with the Tribe holding the Cougars to just four first-quarter points. While the East Hardy defense struggled, Berkeley Springs got five points from Sammy Trump, three from L.J. Wright and two each from Foster Sirbaugh and Jeremy Michael for a 12-4 lead.
"We have gotten off to fast starts in three of our four games so far," said Berkeley Springs coach Chad Brinegar. "We have been able to force a few turnovers and score in transition. I was pleased with our effort this evening, but not entirely satisfied."
Berkeley Springs outscored the Cougars 17-10 in the second quarter, to extend the lead to 29-14 at the half.
The two teams traded baskets for much of the third quarter and the Indians took a comfortable 17-point lead, 45-28, in the final eight minutes of the contest.
East Hardy was unable to mount any kind of rally, as Berkeley Springs coasted to the 60-37 win.
Foster Sirbaugh scored 14 points to lead the Indian offense. Nathan Sirbaugh added 10, Sammy Trump and L.J. Wright seven each, Will Clark six, Ricky Yost and Brian Ness five apiece, Jeremy Michael four, while Jerry Parker and Ian Whibley each added one point to the Berkeley Springs total.
Two days earlier, Berkeley Springs was outscored 24-11 in the final quarter as they lost to Clear Spring, on the road, 77-60.
"I really don't know what happened," said Berkeley Springs coach Chad Brinegar. "We just didn't get it done at crunch time. They (Clear Spring) have a pretty good team, but it is disappointing to lose like that."
L.J. Wright and Foster Sirbaugh led the Indians with 10 points each. Will Clark scored nine, Ricky Yost seven, Brian Ness and Josh Wise six apiece, Sammy Trump and Nathan Sirbaugh five each, while Jerry Parker rounded out the offense with two.
