×

Patrick Copen helps Catholic run past Williamstown

JOSH HUGHES The Marietta Times Parkersburg Catholic’s Jalen Brunny (23) attacks the basket as Williamstown’s Cullen Cutright (0) defends during a high school boys basketball game Thursday.

PARKERSBURG — Cade Ullman’s 28 points helped his Parkersburg Catholic Crusaders surge past rival Williamstown by a final of 83-52 in a Thursday night LKC West contest.

Patrick Copen chipped in with 26 points of his own in what was a statement night for him. After dropping a tight one against Charleston Central Catholic, the Crusaders have now won two in a row. The wins couldn’t have come at a better time for Rob Strcula’s team, as they needed another statement win against the Yellowjackets.

“When our team plays like we did tonight, we’re a pretty good team,” coach Strcula said. “We talk about making plays and making the extra pass. We swing the ball and get everybody involved. We’ve won two games in a row, and we’ve got to keep doing that.”

Eli Inman led all Williamstown (11-3) scorers with 14, and he was joined by Cullen Cutright (12 points) and Xavier Caruthers (10 points) in double-figures for the night. Those three combined to score a majority of the Yellowjacket baskets in what was a tough loss. Coach Scott Sauro knows that while his team is one that plays together, they still need to be playing better basketball.

“I think we always play as a team, and I don’t think we are selfish at all,” coach Sauro said. “I just think we need to be shooting better.”

As a team, the ‘Jackets were 18 for 45, or 40 percent from the field. This night was uncharacteristic of a Williamstown squad that takes high-percentage shots. That team effort on offense and defense was something that coach Strcula was happy to see.

He was also pleased about plenty of individual performances on what was a great night for the Crusaders (8-5).

“Patrick (Copen) is capable of having big games like that,” Strcula said. “He struggled a bit with his shot so far, but his shot’s gotten better in the last two or three games. He’s capable of putting up points like that. My brother, (assistant coach) Scott said today, ‘You know, it would be nice if Pat went off for 25 today.’ I also can’t say enough about Jeb Boice. Jeb had 17 points, 10 assists and six steals. His energy was contagious tonight, which was great. Cade (Ullman) did a great job and was very efficient at the offensive end. Then, you’ve got somebody like Ty Sturm, who is our anchor on the defensive end.”

The game was tight until the end of the first quarter, when Ullman sank a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to give his team an eight-point cushion. After that, Catholic never looked back. Its lead kept growing on a large portion of possessions, as it shot 32 for 59 (54 percent) on the night.

With the loss, Williamstown has now lost both regular season meetings against the Crusaders, and it faces a tough opponent in Wheeling Central Catholic at the New Martinsville Rotary Classic on Saturday. Catholic comes off this decisive win with a date at Wirt County also taking place on Saturday.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.15/week.

Subscribe Today