“These close games that you can come out on top that define you,” said Sheffield head coach Jordan Copley. “This shows you that when you’re down or behind you can fight back and win. They gave it one hundred percent for thirty-two minutes again. The little things I preached to them the entire time that we missed on yesterday down the stretch, we made sure we executed on them, and this is the result. You get the win.”

The Wolverines and Gators came into the fourth tied at 39 each, as both teams would trade leads over the next five minutes, until Sheffield sophomore Allen Eaton hit a huge three down 47-48 to take a 50-48 lead. Senior Dylan Hardwick would add cushion 46 seconds later with a pull-up jumper to give Sheffield the four-point lead. Despite their best efforts, the Wolverine passing, and ball control proved too good for the Gators to get a steal and opportunity at a final comeback.

“After last night, you know a goose egg, we had a conversation after the game, you’re that guy. You got to keep shooting the ball,” said Copley of Eaton’s eight points and clutch shots. “He came out firing tonight. Hit a couple huge shots to change momentum at moments. I’m more than confident that he can do that. He has the confidence to do it, and he’s going to keep doing it.”

Leihden Wotorson who was a toe from tying up the previous night’s game, rebounded from the defeat in dramatic fashion, hitting three from beyond the arc and dropping 13 points on the Gators per half, in addition to his two assists and two steals.

Sheffield's Leihden Wotorson looks to make a move against visiting Port Allegany during the Sheffield Sports Boosters Tip-Off Tournament. Times Observer photo by Cody Elms

Dylan Hardwick went five of seven from the line, putting up 16 total points and pulling down seven rebounds, while Colby Barr tallied nine rebounds in a game that saw the Sheffield junior contend with a lot of size for the second straight night.

“We made sure we watched what Port Allegany did yesterday,” said Copley. Who they were. What they had. We had a pretty good game plan coming in, and I think we executed it well. They knew what we were getting in to.”

Sheffield will remain home for the next three games, hosting cross-county rival Youngsville on Tuesday, Smethport on Friday, and Titusville on December 12. Copley envisions both pros and cons from the early season home stretch.

“It’s nice to be at home,” said Copley. “It’s comfortable to be at home. However, we got to see what we can do on the road as well. That could potentially be detrimental. I have more than enough confidence in these guys if they keep playing this kind of team basketball, they should be able to do it no matter where we’re at.”

Saegertown defeated North Clarion to win take home first place, 49-38.