In the first round of the 45th Mountain Cat Tournament, Berlin Brothersvalley triumphed over Bishop McCort with a final score of 56-49. Coral Prosser shone in the game, scoring 31 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Following a competitive opening half that finished tied at 29, Prosser took over in the third quarter, dominating the scoring and leading the Mountaineers to a 44-37 advantage. Despite a change in defensive strategy from Bishop McCort, Berlin maintained control, benefitting from effective teamwork and communication.
Meanwhile, Windber faced a challenging matchup against Forest Hills, where they fell 50-35 after being held scoreless in the fourth quarter. The game showcased Windber’s struggle against Forest Hills’ intense press, which led to 28 turnovers. Despite a brief lead in the third quarter, fatigue took its toll on Windber, ultimately leading to their defeat. Junior Kaylie Gaye led Windber in scoring with 10 points, whereas Paxtyn Pcola led Forest Hills with 11 points.
The tournament continues with Berlin facing Forest Hills in the championship game on Saturday, while Windber will compete against Bishop McCort in the consolation matchup. The results underscore the importance of stamina, strategic adaptability, and defense in high-pressure games, which will be pivotal as teams progress through the tournament.
Berlin Brothersvalley’s win over Bishop McCort highlighted Coral Prosser’s standout performance and the team’s strong defensive efforts, enabling them to advance to the finals of the Mountain Cat Tournament. Conversely, Windber’s inability to score in the fourth quarter against Forest Hills exemplified the challenges of maintaining energy and focus in competitive play. As the tournament progresses, these teams will seek to learn from their experiences and apply key lessons in upcoming matches.
