Berwick Hands Wyoming Area First League Loss, 60-43, in Division Showdown
By: Matt Flanagan | Sportzwire | January 19, 2025
BERWICK — In a pivotal showdown for first place in Division 2 of the league standings, the Berwick Bulldogs delivered a statement victory, defeating Wyoming Area 60-43 on Saturday. The win improved Berwick to 6-1 in conference play, while Wyoming Area, previously undefeated in league action, fell to 7-1.
The game, played at Berwick High School, saw the Bulldogs overcome a slow start to secure the crucial victory behind a balanced offensive attack. Senior guard Julian Howie led the way with 20 points, including five three-pointers, while teammates Billy Hanson and Noah Marquez added 15 and 12 points, respectively.
A Tale of Two Halves
Wyoming Area controlled the tempo early, jumping out to a 20-19 lead after the first quarter. Senior standout Luke Kopetchny, who finished with a game-high 19 points, paced the Warriors with an aggressive offensive approach, scoring in transition and from mid-range. Lukas Burakiewicz chipped in 11 points, keeping Wyoming Area competitive throughout the first half.
However, the Bulldogs adjusted defensively in the second half, limiting Wyoming Area to just 13 points across the final two quarters. Berwick’s third-quarter surge was the turning point, as they outscored the Warriors 21-5 in the period. The defensive pressure from Berwick forced turnovers and rushed shots, allowing the Bulldogs to capitalize in transition and from beyond the arc.
“Our team came together in the third quarter,” said Berwick head coach [Coach’s Name]. “We knew this was essentially a battle for first place, and the players responded with energy and focus.”
Key Performances
Julian Howie’s sharpshooting was the catalyst for Berwick’s offensive success. He hit five three-pointers, including back-to-back shots early in the second half that ignited the Bulldogs’ decisive run.
“Once we started moving the ball and finding open looks, the shots started falling,” said Howie after the game. “This win means a lot to us, especially against a team like Wyoming Area.”
Billy Hanson provided a spark as well, scoring 15 points on six field goals, including three from beyond the arc. Noah Marquez added 12 points with his consistent mid-range game, while Carlos Guzman and Kaden Hickman chipped in seven and six points, respectively.
For Wyoming Area, Kopetchny was the offensive focal point, scoring 19 points on eight field goals. Burakiewicz added 11 points, but the Warriors struggled to find rhythm against Berwick’s smothering defense in the second half. Wyoming Area made just three field goals in the entire third quarter and only eight total points in the fourth.
Implications for the Standings
The victory tightened the race for the Division 2 title. With both teams now separated by just a half-game, Berwick has positioned itself as a legitimate contender for the league crown. Wyoming Area will look to regroup and maintain its lead as the season progresses.
“This was a big one for us, but there’s still a lot of basketball left to play,” said Berwick’s coach. “We have to stay focused and take it one game at a time.”
By the Numbers
• Berwick: Shot 26 field goals, including nine three-pointers. Made one free throw on one attempt.
• Wyoming Area: Shot 18 field goals, including three three-pointers. Made four of eight free throws.
Looking Ahead
Wyoming Area will aim to bounce back in its next matchup, while Berwick will look to build on its momentum and potentially overtake the Warriors in the standings.
For fans and players alike, this was a thrilling matchup that showcased the intensity of Division 2 basketball. With the postseason looming, both teams are sure to deliver more excitement in the coming weeks.
Editor’s Note: Stay tuned for more coverage on high school basketball across the region as the race for league championships heats up.
