By JIM RUMBLE

The Avonworth boys’ basketball team ended a tumultuous season last week, adding three more games to the loss column.

On Friday, Feb. 12, the Antelopes hosted Quaker Valley, and for the most part made a game of it, but eventually fell 47-31.

Avonworth, who lost at in the Quakers’ building a month ago by 34 points, stayed within striking distance until Quaker Valley was able to stretch their lead at the end from the free throw line.

After the game coach Dan Bradley said, "We played much better this time. We handled their pressure a little better - it just got away from us at the end."

Avonworth came out struggling with their offense in the first quarter as Mitch Locher’s three-pointer was all they could muster to trail 9-3 when the period ended.

Quaker Valley started the second quarter with a 9-0 run that included a three-point play and 5-of-5 from the free throw line to build an 18-3 lead.

The ‘Lopes were able to respond when a basket by Ryan Scherling and eight points by Locher formed a 10-2 run that had Avonworth trailing at the half 20-13.

A basket by Scott Barlek and five points from Locher provided the offense for the 'Lopes in the third, however the Quakers again managed to outscore Avonworth to lead 30-20 when the period ended.

Tom Sell, Shane Sommers and Coby Croft each added baskets as Avonworth seemed poised for a comeback in the fourth quarter, when they trailed 37-31 with 1:51 remaining.

The Quakers, who finished 18-of-18 from the line on the night, sealed the win with 8-of-8 from the line down the stretch on their way to the 47-31 win.
"I'm proud of their effort," Bradley said of his team afterwards. "We hung in there against a good team."

Locher finished a good night offensively with 20 points.

Avonworth lost at home on Sunday, Feb. 14, to Sto Rox in a close one, 62-56 and then finished out the season on the road the next day with a loss to Beaver Falls, 64-29.