Big fourth quarter helps Oley Valley pass Schuylkill Valley (updated)
David Turchi scored seven of his career-high 17 points in the final quarter, including a pair of key free throws, as Oley Valley used a big fourth quarter to beat Schuylkill Valley 47-43 Thursday in a key Berks Conference crossover game.
The Berks III-leading Lynx (6-1, 12-4) outscored the Panthers (5-2 Berks III, 11-4) 17-8 in the final quarter; the Panthers led led 35-30 after three quarters.
The score was tied 43-43 with 57 seconds left before Turchi hit a pair of free throws.
The Lynx’s fifth straight win gives them a three-game lead over second-placd Antietam (3-4, 9-7). They can wrap up their second division title in three seasons by early next week with a few more wins.
Cooper Hohenadel hit three 3-pointers in the third quarter as Schuylkill Valley surged ahead after trailing 23-15 at the half. The Panthers outscored the Lynx 20-7 in the third quarter.
Ben DeBalko had eight points for Oley Valley and Jaden Kelly and Chase Rubendall seven apiece. Dominic Giuffre had 10 for Schuylkill Valley.
The loss was a blow to Schuylkill Valley’s chances of catching Berks III leader Fleetwood. The Panthers are now two full games back of the Tigers, who are unbeaten in league play. They meet again Jan. 27 at Fleetwood.
Oley Valley’s lone league loss came to Berks III leader Fleetwood, 59-50 at Oley Jan. 3.
Turchi’s previous high was 16 points, in a 63-51 win over Brandywine Heights Dec. 20.
Oley Valley went 10-2 in league play to win the Berks IV title in 2020-21, winning at Antietam in double-overtime in the final game of the season to clinch the title. That was their first division title since 2009-10 and ninth overall.
They Lynx are off to their best start in head coach Matt Barrell’s 10 seasons. Their 13 wins last season were their most under Barrell.
They last won as many as 14 games in 2012-13. Their last 20-win season came in 2004-05, when they finished 22-5 and reached the Berks Conference championship game under Charles Truckermiller.
