Belmont Boys' Hoops Mansfield Trip a Downer

The Belmont Boys Basketball team traveled a long way to end up with a final season loss.

The Mansfield Hornets - which won the Divison 1 South title last year - went on a 28-4 run to finish off the first half and then held on easily in the final two quarters to win its Roundball Classic, 67-49, over visiting Belmont Wednesday night, Feb 22.

Mansfield took a 19-17 lead after the first quarter on a buzzer-beating three by sophomore Michael Hershman. The second quarter was dominated by the Hornets, as they outscored the Maruaders 23-4. Hershman, who finished with 17 points, had 13 by the end of the first half.

Belmont coach Adam Pritchard gave some credit to Mansfield's defense but also noted his team's lack of ball movement.

"We weren't passing the ball," said Pritchard.

"We had a bunch of guys trying to go one-on-one. I give them credit, but I also know that when we pass the ball, we get great results."

The Marauders came out strong in the third quarter and were able to get the ball into senior forward John Dillon, who scored 12 of his game-high 24 in the third quarter alone.

Despite the struggles early in the second half, the Hornets settled down and never allowed Belmont to get closer than 14.

"When (Dillon) decides to go down to the low block, he's a tough customer," said Pritchard about his captain.

Both teams will now await the draw to see their seed and match-up for the tournament. Mansfield (14-7) will try to defend their Division 1-South sectional title, while Belmont (11-9) will be in the Division 2-North sectional.