Long wait ends: ’Dores claim section crown

By JEREMY SELLEW

jsellew@yourmvi.com

Just before the final buzzer sounded at Henry DiVirgilio Field House, Frazier head coach Zach Keefer let out a big sigh of relief and began the celebration.

For the first time in 31 seasons, the Commodores have won a section title outright thanks to a 44-41 win over Monessen Monday.

The Greyhounds (7-7, 5-3) didn’t make it easy for the Commodores, though.

While Frazier led wire to wire, Monessen chopped down a 15-point third-quarter deficit and was able to get within two points with 21 seconds to go.

“First, my hat’s off to them,” Keefer said of the Greyhounds. “That’s their first game in a while since being shut down. They’re a traditional powerhouse and I knew they’d be excited to be back on the floor in a game situation. I knew they were going to come out hungry.”

The Greyhounds came out of the gate like a team that was shut down for over two weeks.

Owen Newcomer, who led the Commodores with 14 points, hit four 3-pointers in the first half as Frazier was hitting on all cylinders early.

A Colton Arison jumper gave the home squad a 14-9 lead at the end of the first quarter, then he used his passing ability from the high post to pick up a couple of assists in the second quarter as the Commodores won the frame, 13-6.

“He’s there because he’s probably our best passer from that spot on the floor,” Keefer said. “Between Owen’s two big 3-pointers and the play of Noah Oldham in the second quarter, I thought they really sparked us.”

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