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Hot-handed Berlin Brothersvalley boys coast by Lancaster Country Day in PIAA Class 1A quarterfinal

brad rosemas, the tribune-democrat, johnstown, pa.
·4 min read

Mar. 16—McCONNELLSBURG — Despite an uncharacteristically slow start in its second-round contest Tuesday, the Berlin Brothersvalley boys basketball team was still able to find an offensive rhythm and defeat its opponent by 18 points.

When the Mountaineers get hot right from the opening tip, such as Friday night against District 3 fifth-seeded Lancaster Country Day, it can be a hint that those in attendance are in for an offensive show.

Berlin Brothersvalley senior guard Pace Prosser knocked down his team's first four shots from the floor en route to erupting for a game-high 35 points as the Mountaineers defeated the Cougars 75-48 in a PIAA Class 1A quarterfinal matchup at McConnellsburg High School.

"I thought after Tuesday, we would come out pretty locked in and ready to go," Berlin Brothersvalley coach Tanner Prosser said. "Even with that, they hung right with us in the first quarter.

"I did think our intensity was really good, and we did some good things. To still be playing at this time of year, you have to have a good basketball team that's playing well at the right time."

The five-time defending District 5 champion Mountaineers (27-2) advance to Monday's semifinals against District 3 champion Linville Hill Christian, a 65-29 winner over Freeland MMI Preparatory School.

This marks the third time in four years Berlin Brothersvalley has reached the PIAA semifinals.

"They're significantly better than last year," Coach Prosser said of Linville Hill Christian.

"I mean significantly better. They have more scoring. The guys they replaced, they replaced them with athletes. We're going to have our hands full. I told the guys we're going to have to play our best if we want another crack on the big floor."

Monday will be a rematch of the 2023 semifinal matchup, when the Mountaineers defeated Linville Hill Christian 63-45 on the way to their second PIAA runner-up finish in three seasons.

"It was nice we got this game a little closer to home," Pace Prosser said. "It was pretty much a Berlin-packed gym. We make that first shot and we get going because we just feed off their energy."

Pace Prosser began the game with three consecutive 3-point field goals and added a contested layup to vault the Mountaineers to an early 11-4 lead.

Berlin Brothersvalley held a 16-9 advantage after one quarter before opening the second on a 16-3 run to balloon the lead to 20.

Prosser scored 27 points in the first half on 10-for-12 shooting, including going 5-for-7 from 3-point range and a perfect 5 of 5 inside the arc, as Berlin Brothersvalley led 42-22 at the break.

"Obviously, it's a lot easier when you hit shots, and we hit a lot of them tonight," Coach Prosser said. "I thought we got pretty good looks, too, especially in the second quarter. We executed pretty well and were able to get some easy shots around the rim."

The Mountaineers began each of the second, third and fourth quarters by making six of their first eight shot attempts to consistently pull away from the Cougars (18-10).

Berlin Brothersvalley led by as many as 26 in the third before opening the fourth with five consecutive baskets, capped off by a Prosser layup through traffic, to put the running clock into effect at 71-40 with 4:20 remaining.

"We're just moving the ball and getting other guys touches," Pace Prosser said. "Usually when we get the ball swung around, good things happen."

In total, the Mountaineers shot nearly 60% from the floor, going 29-for-49.

Senior Craig Jarvis also had a strong offensive night, totaling 20 points for Berlin Brothersvalley.

"We knew this was going to be a tall task," Lancaster Country Day coach Jon Shultz said. "I think we scouted them well. We had a couple stretches where we controlled their transition, but Prosser and Jarvis just got the best of us. They're a talented duo on a very well-rounded team. I give them credit."

Prosser and Jarvis, as well as fellow Mountaineers seniors McKelvey Foor and Parker Black, are looking to cap off their careers with a third appearance at the Giant Center in Hershey.

Prior to 2020, only one Berlin Brothersvalley team had made the quarterfinal round, coming in 1955.

"These are the types of games you want to play when you're a kid," Pace Prosser said. "You're always thinking about getting there. I'm really excited for it."