Exeter loss ends Peters Township’s season

The best boys basketball season in more than two decades at Peters Township High School ended March 17 when Exeter (26-6) defeated the Indians, 75-72, in overtime of a PIAA Class 5A quarterfinal game played at Bald Eagle High School.
The Indians were playing a state quarterfinal game for the first time since 1997. They finished the year at 24-5. They were section champions and WPIAL runners-up.
“It’s been a remarkable journey this year,” said PT floor boss Joe Urmann. “I don’t think anyone predicted we would have the kind of season that we did.”
The Indians showed grit in trying to extend their season. They trailed at halftime, 39-31, and fell behind, 44-33, before rallying in the third quarter.
Nate Miller, who finished with a team-high 19 points, ignited the Indians.
After a three-pointer by Cam Mills and a bucket off an offensive rebound by Jake Ziegler, Miller took control. He drove for two consecutive baskets, fed Jack Dunbar with a nifty pass on a backdoor play for a layup, then came up with a steal that led to a Ziegler three-point basket. Suddenly PT was ahead, 47-44.
PT expanded its margin to 62-54 with less than four minutes to play in regulation but Exeter roared back, even after having two players foul out. The Indians could not take advantage because they made only 13 of 25 free throws in regulation and ended up 16-for-33 for the game.
Kevin Saenz rallied the Eagles. He scored 13 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter. He scored the games finals six points as well. His 3-pointer and basket after a missed free throw gave the Eagles a 74-72 lead. His free throw with 21 seconds finalized the score.
Zyion Paschall fired in 20 points before fouling out with 3:33 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Delaware football recruit Anthony Caccese had a double-double. He pumped in 12 tallies and grabbed 17 rebounds before fouling out as well.
Reece Garvin was also in double figures with 14.
In overtime, two free throws by Brendan McCullough, Dunbar’s one-handed floater and two free throws by Ziegler gave PT a 71-67 edge with 2:29 left but turnovers and missed free throws enabled Exeter to climb back into the contest.
Miller led four PT players in double figures with 19 points. McCullough and Dunbar each had 16. Ziegler scored all of his 10 points after halftime.
“I’m incredibly proud of our players,” Urmann said. “They’ve shown outstanding growth and development both individually and collectively.”
The Indians graduate just two seniors: McCullough and Ziegler. In addition to Dunbar, Miller and Mills, they return talented junior Thomas Aspinall as well as key sub, Mickey Vaccarello, a 6-2 sophomore, among others.
“There is a lot to build up from this season moving forward,” said Urmann.