Tech puts scare in Ware

Fifteenth seeds are not supposed to put much of a scare into second seeds, but someone forgot to tell that to Franklin County Technical School, Tuesday night.

The 15th-seeded Eagles did just that as the game was tied at 25-25 in the third quarter before second-seeded Ware High School broke away with a 67-47 victory in Western Mass Division 4 first round action in Ware. 

Leading by two (23-21) at the half, Ware (17-4) went on to score 30 points in the third quarter to open the game up, utilizing its press defense to trap the Franklin Tech (11-10) offense in the backcourt. 

FC Tech only scored 10 points in the third. 

“I was extremely impressed with my girls to have it tied in the third quarter against the second seed as the 15 seed,” Franklin Tech coach Sean Knightly said. 

Jocelyn Crowningshield led Franklin Tech with a game-high 24 points on 12 field goals. Jordan Hurlbert chipped in 11 points, and Desiree Doane had 8 points, knocking down a 3-pointer. 

Knightly was impressed with Crowningshield’s ability to put the ball in the basket, as her 24 points were a season-high. 

“It was an outstanding performance,” he said. “It’s not every game we have someone who leads the game in scoring.” 

For Ware, Aidyn Welsh led the way with 19 points, knocking down a pair of 3s along the way. Shelby Tweedie added in 18 points and Audrey LaValley had 9 points. 

As a team, Ware knocked down 14 free throws, to just two by the Eagles. 

Ware jumped out to a 15-6 lead to end the first quarter, but FC Tech would not quit, scoring 15 points in the second quarter to get back in the game at the half.

Ware 67, FC Tech 47

FC Tech (47)

Herbert 5-1-11, Cruz 1-0-2, Doane 3-1-8, Crowningshield 12-0-24, Duga 1-0-2, Ryan. Totals 22-2–47.

Ware (67)

Vadnais 3-0-6, L. Orszulak 2-0-4, Welsh 7-3-19, LaValley 4-0-9, Tweedie 6-6-18, Burke 2-0-4, C. Orszulak 1-5-7. Totals: 25-14–67.

3-Point Goals: (FT) Doane. (W) Welsh 2, LaValley.

Score by quarters: