Wilson faces elimination after loss to Hempfield

The Wilson Bulldogs lost an early lead to Hempfield for the second time this season and now face elimination in the District 3 Class 6A boys basketball tournament.

The ninth-seeded Bulldogs fell to the fourth-seeded Black Knights 56-47 Tuesday in Landisville in a playback game. They’ll play at Cumberland Valley Friday with a shot at the PIAA Tournament, and their season, on the line.

The Bulldogs (15-10) have lost two straight games in the tournament; a third straight will end their season. If they beat the second-seeded Eagles they’ll advance to the state tournament; the top seven teams in District 3 make the PIAA Tournament.

The Bulldogs led by as many as eight points in the first half Tuesday and were up 23-21 at intermission before going cold in the third quarter. They scored just three field goals in the quarter in falling behind 35-30.

Cameron Jones scored a team-high 17 points for Wilson, 13 in the first half.

The Bulldogs hurt themselves at the foul line, where they made just 4-of-13 shots.

Ben Troyer scored a game-high 18 points for the Black Knights (20-6), 15 in the second half. He was part of a balanced scoring attack that saw Miguel Pena score 12, Cole Overbaugh 10 and Parker Wolfe nine.

Earlier this season Wilson had a four-point halftime lead at Hempfield but lost 51-50. Pena hit eight 3-pointers and scored 28 points in that one for Hempfield. This time the Bulldogs limited the Black Knights to just two 3-point field goals, and Pena to none.

Hempfield advances to play No. 6 Chambersburg Friday for fifth place. Cumberland Valley was beaten by Chambersburg 66-46.

Wilson has lost five of its last six games since a 60-56 overtime upset of Methacton Feb. 5.