Marian Colts Surge Past Weatherly Wreckers with Strong Second Half

In a decisive turnaround, the Marian Colts defeated the Weatherly Wreckers 68-53 in a Schuylkill League Division II basketball match on January 3, 2024. The Colts outperformed their opponents with a dominant second half, outscoring Weatherly 41-21. This victory keeps Marian’s playoff hopes alive while jeopardizing Weatherly’s chances of returning to the league tournament.

Marian’s senior point guard, Jake Tom, highlighted the significance of the team’s performance, referring to critical moments as “championship plays.” Following the game, he noted, “We had a couple possessions in the second half where we had championship plays. Coach Brutto likes to say that’s where champions are made.” This mentality propelled the Colts to a series of scoring runs, allowing them to capitalize on defensive stops.

Marian’s coach, Paul Brutto, who took over the program after the passing of head coach Scott Murphy, praised his team’s collective effort. “That was as complete a team effort as we’ve had all season — an effort that turned into a win, one that we really needed,” he remarked. The Colts improved their record to 7-7 overall and 4-4 in league play, while the Wreckers fell to 7-5 with a 3-5 league record.

The game featured a competitive first half, with Weatherly initially taking control. The Wreckers maintained a slim lead throughout the second quarter, culminating in a 32-27 advantage at halftime. However, the tide turned after the break. Marian’s Greg Tirpak, despite facing early foul trouble, scored four crucial three-pointers, helping the Colts recover from a seven-point deficit.

Weatherly’s head coach, Luke Medico, acknowledged the shift in momentum, stating, “We put together a great first half. But then we obviously came out flat in the second half.” Following a timeout, Marian executed a 12-2 run to start the fourth quarter, effectively sealing the game.

Defensively, Marian employed a disruptive triangle-and-two strategy, which stifled Weatherly’s leading scorers, Ian Mckeegan and Corbin Wagner. Brutto’s adjustment limited the Wreckers’ opportunities, as Marian out-rebounded them 22-9 in the second half, further enhancing their control of the game.

While Weatherly’s performance included notable contributions from Wagner, who scored a game-high 21 points, and Matt Adler, who added 13 points, it was not enough to overcome Marian’s resurgence. The Colts showcased a balanced attack, with significant scoring from their bench, including 12 points from Yaniel Nunez and contributions from Justin De La Cruz and Jacob De La Cruz.

Looking ahead, Weatherly will aim to bounce back in their upcoming game against Northumberland Christian on January 5, 2024. Marian, on the other hand, will face Nativity in Pottsville also on January 5.

In related news, the Weatherly Area High School Hall of Fame Committee is organizing a buffet dinner on January 31, 2026, to celebrate the upcoming Hall of Fame induction games. Tickets are priced at $20 for adults and $14 for children aged 6-12. Reservations are required by January 29, and interested parties can contact Scott Zoscin, the athletic director, for more information.

Overall, the Marian Colts demonstrated resilience and teamwork in their victory, creating a positive outlook for the remainder of the season.