Tulpehocken’s season ended by Philly West Catholic

One of the best seasons in Tulpehocken basketball is over.

The Trojans were overwhelmed by District 12 runner-up West Catholic of Philadelphia 69-32 in a PIAA Class 3A Tournament opener Wednesday at Drexel Hill.

The Burrs (20-5) got 12 first-quarter points from Adam Clark in racing to a 24-4 lead and were up 44-16 at the half.

The Trojans (19-7) were held to their lowest scoring total of the season, and without a 3-pointer.

The appearance in the state tournament was the first for Tulpehocken since 2007, and the season ranks as second-best in school history to that 2007 team, which finished 25-6.

The Trojans’ 19 wins this season are tied for second-most in program history.

Bryce Mellen scored eight points in his final game for Tulpehocken and finished with 1,066 career points, sixth-most in program history.

Junior David Bednarczyk was held to a season-low three points. He had been averaging 20.3 during the postseason and a team-high 17.0 for the season.

Aiden Miller led the Trojans with 12 points.

The Burrs got 13 points from Kaseem Watson and 11 from Zion Standford. They advance to meet District 4 champ and defending state champ Loyalsock, an 87-64 winner over Riverside.

Tulpehocken finished third in the District 3 Tournament.