Marian Colts Dominate Weatherly Wreckers in League Opener

HOMETOWN — The Marian Colts delivered a commanding performance in their Schuylkill League Division II opener, defeating the Weatherly Wreckers 54-30 on December 7, 2023. The Colts’ defense was the standout feature of the match, effectively stifling the Wreckers’ offensive efforts and securing an early lead in the division standings.

Marian’s aggressive defense limited Weatherly to a mere 10-of-51 shooting (19.6%) for the game, including a dismal 3-of-26 (11.5%) in the first half. Rocco Griguoli, a forward for Marian, not only led his team in scoring with a game-high 14 points but also added seven rebounds. “We put in a lot of hard work on defense this week,” Griguoli remarked. “We focused on not letting them drive and keeping the paint closed.”

The Wreckers struggled to find their rhythm throughout the match. Their previous offensive prowess, demonstrated in a 67-point outing against Panther Valley in their season opener, was absent against the Colts’ disciplined defensive schemes. Weatherly head coach Luke Medico acknowledged the team’s failure to adapt, stating, “If you’re relying upon shooting three-pointers and not driving to the basket, this is what you’re gonna get.”

Marian started strong, quickly staking an 8-0 lead, thanks to early contributions from Jake Tom and Jacob De La Cruz. The Colts maintained their advantage throughout the game, never trailing after the initial push. Despite some moments of hope for Weatherly, including a pair of three-pointers from Ian McKeegan, they could not capitalize, with their leading scorer from previous games going silent.

Defensive Strategies and Game Analysis

The Colts’ defense, a hallmark of head coach Paul Brutto‘s strategy, was instrumental in this victory. Brutto, a member of the District 11 Hall of Fame known for his success with the Marian girls’ teams, is bringing that defensive tenacity to the boys’ program in his first season. “(Weatherly’s) a pretty talented offensive team, but they’re hard to guard,” Brutto noted, emphasizing the importance of defensive discipline.

Weatherly’s shooting woes continued in the second quarter, where they managed only one basket from 15 attempts. Marian also struggled offensively, shooting 3-of-13 during the same period. Nonetheless, the Colts managed to extend their lead to nine points by halftime, with two crucial free throws from Greg Tirpak and a layup by Yaniel Nunez.

As the second half progressed, Marian’s defense remained relentless, allowing Weatherly to get no closer than seven points. The Colts outscored their rivals 10-2 to close the third quarter, with Griguoli contributing significantly. The final period saw Marian maintain a comfortable lead, showcasing effective offensive plays and continued defensive pressure.

Looking Ahead

With this victory, Marian improved to a record of 2-0 overall and 1-0 in the Schuylkill League. Griguoli expressed optimism for the season ahead. “We know we have a lot more games to go, but this was a good one for us. We’ll put this one behind us and focus on the next game,” he stated.

Weatherly, now at 1-1 and 0-1 in the league, must regroup. Coach Medico stressed the need for a wake-up call, urging his players to recognize the importance of practice and teamwork. “We can’t just think we’ll win because we did last year. We need to execute better and move the ball,” he said.

The game served as a poignant reminder of the late Marian head coach Scott Murphy, who passed away last summer. Both teams wore royal blue T-shirts in his honor, and the upcoming holiday tournament will be named the Coach Murphy Christmas Classic, a fitting tribute to a beloved figure in the community.

As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on their experiences, with Marian aiming to continue their defensive dominance and Weatherly seeking to refine their offensive strategies.