By HUNTER O. LYLE
lyleoleanstar@gmail.com
BRADFORD, PA – On a night when they celebrated the iconic ‘Dream Team,’ the current rendition of the Bradford boys’ basketball team failed to execute, losing to DuBois 44-31 as their losing streak stretched to seven.
Ahead of the varsity game, the Owls took a moment to recognize program royalty. With this year marking the 30-year anniversary of their flawless campaign, Bradford honored the 1994-1995 boys’ basketball team, one of only two squads in school history to lead an undefeated season.
The 1994-1995 season leaves a lot to be unpacked. Not only did the team claim the first 24-0 season in over 50 years, but they also earned the second of back-to-back District 9 titles before a push into the PIAA State Tournament quarterfinals. In the state bracket, Bradford matched up with the Keystone State’s best team in Class 4A, No. 1 Uniontown. Coming away with a four-point upset victory, Bradford ended their 12-game state playoff losing streak.
Picking up another win against the champions from District 7 McKeesport, the Owls’ dream season came to a close with a 61-58 loss to Butler.
“We haven’t seen each other, some of us, in 30 years and it’s like it was yesterday. Just having a group of friends and teammates to share that moment was pretty awesome,” said Andy Terwilliger, who averaged 14 points a game during the 1994-1995 season and now is an assistant coach for the current Owls. “It just gives you chills.”
After one last Dream Team huddle, the modern Owls took the floor. Coming off a loss against Cameron County where their offense failed to materialize early, Bradford’s struggles seemed to stay with them over the two-day break.
Although they were able to get on the scoreboard first – albeit a lone sunk shot at the free throw line from Marcus Terwilliger – the Owls’ couldn’t get their offense flowing. Attempting to force passes past the lengthy reach of Beaver defenders, Bradford gave up five turnovers in the first quarter as they were held scoreless for several minutes at a time.
However, the Owls’ defense came to play. Opening with aggression around the perimeter and physicality in the paint, Bradford slowed DuBois down to a crawl. Looking to primarily shoot the ball from deep, the Beavers continuously drove and dished the ball but to no avail. After the first eight minutes of play, the score was knotted at 9-9.
Starting to shy away from the 3-pointer, DuBois began using their height to probe inside, starting on their first possession which garnered a trip to the charity stripe. Beginning to pick up momentum with their new plan of attack, the Beavers scored five unanswered points as they stepped in front.
Marcus Terwilliger pulls up for a floater during the Owls’ loss to DuBois. | Photo by Hunter O. Lyle
In the meantime, turnovers still plagued the Owls as they gave up four possessions before adding to their side of the scoreboard. Their first basket of the quarter came at the three-minute mark when Tarren Reese cut to the basket for a backdoor score. In the final minutes of the half, neither team could take a lid off of the basket, leaving DuBois to hold a slight 16-13 lead before the break.
Once again, Bradford’s offense was slow to start in the third quarter. While DuBois, now attacking the rim as their primary motive, began to stretch their lead, Bradford struggled to make shots even when at point blank range. The Owls’ only saving grace was the Beavers’ inability to make shots at the free throw line – DuBois went 1-for-5 in the third quarter. Staying close, Bradford found themselves down by eight going into the final period.
Now it would be DuBois’ turn to ramp up the aggression on defense. Between trapping with double teams, quickly closing out on potential shooters and staying nearly chest-to-chest with off-ball opponents, the Beavers barely let Bradford breathe let alone score. With their offensive woes already in flux, the Owls’ comeback hopes were dashed early. As the clock unceremoniously counted down, Bradfords’ seventh straight loss quickly approached.
Danny Marasco led the Owls with 10 points, followed by Carter Roulo with nine and Terwilliger with six.
AT BRADFORD
DuBois (44)
Bennett 6 7-12 22, West 3 2-2 10, Hanzely 3 0-0 6, Farrell 1 0-2 2, Galiczynski 1 0-0 2, Horner 1 0-0 2. Totals: 15 11-16 44
Bradford (31)
Marasco 5 0-0 10, Roulo 4 0-0 9, Terwilliger 2 2-3 6, Reese 1 2-2 4, Simmons 1 0-0 2. Totals: 13 4-5 31
DuBois 9 16 33 44
Bradford 9 13 25 31
Three-point goals: DB (5) Bennett 3, West 2, BR (1) Roulo; Total fouls: DB 13, BR 14; fouled out: None.
JV: Dubois 46, Bradford 28
