Oley Valley survives overtime scare, extends winning streak to nine games
Chase Rubendall scored six points in overtime as Berks IV champ Oley Valley held off visiting Brandywine Heights 70-66 Monday night.
The Bullets (4-6 Berks IV, 9-10) stormed back from a 14-point deficit after three periods, scoring 26 fourth-quarter points to send the game to OT.
The Lynx (9-1 Berks IV, 17-4) outscored them 10-6 in the extra period to win their ninth straight game. The winning streak is the longest in 18 seasons, since Oley Valley 15 in a row.
Ben DeBalko scored 17 points to lead a balanced scoring attack for the Lynx, who put five players in double figures. Keith Neal and Johnny Turchi each had 13 points, Rubendall finished with 12 and Luke Turchi 11.
Oley Valley was good on 19-of-33 free throws, including 6-of-10 in overtime.
Freshman Nate Winkler matched his season-high with 18 points to lead Brandywine Heights. He scored 18 earlier this month in a win over Tulpehocken.
Freshman Noah Walakovits scored 17 for the Bullets, including eight in the fourth period when they outscored the Lynx 26-12.
Freshman Jayden Kantner scored 14 points for the Bullets before fouling out in overtime.
Oley Valley led 16-9 after one quarter and 32-17 at the half.
The Lynx clinched their second division title in three seasons Friday with a win over Hamburg. They entered the night ranked No. 3 in the District 3 Class 3A power ratings.
The Bullets entered the night No. 6 in Class 3A. Despite the loss they appear to be secure in their drive for their first district playoff spot in three years.
Of the teams hold their current spots — Oley Valley at No. 3, Brandywine at No. 6 — they will open against each other in a district quarterfinal Feb. 20 at Oley.
Oley Valley opened the 2004-05 season with a loss to Holy Name, then won 15 in a row before falling to Kutztown. The Lynx finished 22-5 that season, setting a program record for victories. They won the Berks III title and reached the Berks Conference title game for the first time in 32 years. They have not been back since.
Oley Valley’s 16 wins are its most since the 2004-05 season, it’s only 20-win season over the past 60 years.
