Armstrong Boys Defeat Freeport for Third Straight Win

by Jake DeLuca

The Armstrong River Hawks (9-7) boys varsity basketball team picked up their third straight victory after defeating the Freeport Yellow Jackets (11-5), 60-48.

Armstrong hosted their route 28 rivals in the Freeport Yellow Jackets Wednesday night and from the start the River Hakws offense was clicking.

In the first quarter Joe McCanna scored 9 of Armstrong’s 13 first quarter points as the River Hawks jumped out to an early 13-9 lead.

The River Hawks continued to add to their lead as McCanna scored two more three’s to help Armstrong take a 25-15 lead into the locker room at halftime.

In the third quarter Armstrong’s offense exploded for 19 points, giving the River Hawks a 44-30 lead heading into the fourth.

Usually the River Hawks defense carries the team to victory, as Armstrong is ranked #3 defensively in the WPIAL (points against), but when the offense is clicking McCanna says it adds confidence all around.

“It gets our whole team hyped up and it makes our defense even better - getting the energy going, making us work harder, and locked in more,” McCanna said.

The River Hawks would cruise to a 60-48 victory behind McCanna’s 28 points including 21 points from three point land. Nate Baillie added 13 points and 9 rebounds while Dawson Porter had 9 points and 9 rebounds.

Right now Armstrong is clicking, and River Hawks Head Coach Greg Hutcherson knows how important that is entering the second half of section play.

“Confidence is everything, especially for a team that went 2-20 last year (Armstrong), so we’re just trying to keep the ball rolling, play great defense, and keep racking up wins,” Hutcherson said.

Armstrong will have Thursday off before heading to Highlands (7-9) for a 5A match-up. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM at Highlands.

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