BVA begins section play with rout of Waynesburg Central

By Dean Dellamalva Jr.

MVI Sports

Belle Vernon Area shot 66% from the field in the first quarter and cooled off considerably the rest of the way before dismissing Waynesburg Central, 78-60, in Section 3-4A play Thursday night. 

Belle Vernon Area sophomore Devin Whitlock led all scorers with 26 points, while Mitch Pohlot added 15 points with eight boards. Thomas Hepple came off the bench with 10 points for the Leps (2-2, 1-0). Hunter Ruokonen (11) and Jared Hartman (10) also came up big on the boards. 

The first quarter was the best eight minutes of basketball BVA has played this season to date, according to head coach Joe Salvino. The Leopards outscored Waynesburg Central, 34-12, in the first eight minutes. 

“In the first quarter, we did everything we were supposed to do,” said Salvino. “In the second quarter, we got a little bit lax on the defensive end and just thought we were going to be able to outscore them. Consequently, they got some looks inside and we left some people underneath open.”

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