Men's Basketball wins John Benchoff Tournament

Mont Alto took on Davis College on Saturday in the championship game which ended in an exciting fashion.

 Mont Alto was up by five points going into halftime but Davis College was able to tie the game up in the second half resulting in overtime.  Both teams fought hard and the fans set an exciting atmosphere.  Mont Alto was able to score the final points in the last minute of overtime to secure their third win of the season and champions of the tournament.

"This game was played as expected," Head Coach Jack Schenzel explains.  "Both teams were evenly matched throughout the game and we unfortunately were unable to hold an eight point lead with just under two minutes left and allowed the game to get into overtime.  I have to give Davis College and their coach Daniel Rathmell a great deal credit for his players playing through adversity when they were down," stated Coach Schenzel.

Devonte Merritt led Mont Alto, recording a double-double, with 26 points and 12 rebounds. He was 13-13 in field goal attempts.  Sharif Welton also added 20 points and had eight assists.  Jerome Evans had 14 points and nine rebounds.

"We got an incredible effort today from Devonte who went 13 for 13 from the floor for 26 points.  He also had 12 rebounds and five assists with no turnovers.  Sharif again today came off the bench and proved why he was MVP of this tournament.  He provided several highlight dunks as well as solid all-around play with 20 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists," Coach Schenzel adds.

"This was a good win for the team as we were able to overcome some adversity and the young guys were able to step up in the end to complete the victory.  Jamaal Carter and Jerome Evans, freshmen off the bench provided a sturdy balance through the end of the second-half and the overtime period."

Mont Alto will host Central Penn on Wednesday, November 20^th at 8:00 p.m.

"I'd like to thank all the teams for being a part of our tournament, Davis College, Penn Highlands and Penn State Lehigh Valley.  This tournament was fun to watch for the fans with the high-scoring games and great competition," Schenzel comments.

The 2nd Annual John Benchoff Tournament All-Tournament Team

Most Valuable Player