David Bednarczyk-Tulpehocken

“This shouldn’t be happening.” That’s exactly what David Bednarczyk was thinking as the Trojans’ 15-point advantage dwindled to one in the fourth quarter against Brandywine Heights. Senior forward Bryce Mellen came up big late with a driving basket and two clutch free throws as #3 seed Tulpehocken held off the sixth-seeded Bullets 48-44 in the District 3-3A quarterfinals. Bednarczyk (16) and Mellen (11) combined for 27 points for the (18-5) Trojans. They’re both two-time all-division selections. Tulpehocken came out on fire early. Bednarczyk told me that the energy from their student section in Bernville is “awesome.” The Trojans raced to a 10-1 lead midway through the first quarter on a top of the key jumper by Mellen. They were on top 12-1 after the opening period and 18-7 at halftime. Brandywine Heights was just 2-23 from the field over the first sixteen minutes. The (7-16) Bullets went nine and a-half minutes before making a shot. Bednarczyk drilled a trey from the right wing with just over two minutes remaining in the third quarter. His putback moments later made it 31-16. Brandywine Heights trailed 33-22 entering the last quarter. Bednarczyk, who averages nearly 17 points per game, hit another triple with just over four and a-half minutes to go for a 38-29 edge. However, the scrappy Bullets wouldn’t go away thanks largely to 5’9 freshman guard Jayden Kantner. All of his game-high 21 points came in the second half including 13 in the fourth quarter. Kantner made a 3-pointer from the right wing with 1:50 left that pulled Brandywine Heights within 41-40. Mellen, who averages nearly 17 points a night, took control in the final 90 seconds. His layup and free throws gave Tulpehocken a 47-42 cushion with 34 seconds to play. Kantner and 6’3 senior Adam Lichtenwalner missed from beyond the arc and the Trojans escaped with a thrilling victory. Bednarczyk believes that Mellen can get a bucket whenever they need one. He also gave credit to 6’9 senior Bradyn Erb who contributed eight points off the bench. Erb finished a sweet lob pass from Nolan Sweitzer to put Tulpehocken in front 22-9 in the third quarter. Sweitzer, a 5’9 junior, chipped in with seven points. The Trojans didn’t attempt a foul shot until the final period. They were 6-10, while the Bullets went 10-15. Each team connected twice from 3-point range. Lichtenwalner and 6’5 senior Gunnar Wetzel had eight points apiece for Brandywine Heights. All-division guard Spencer Miller was limited to five. The Bullets erupted for 22 points in the fourth quarter, but were plagued by turnovers. They committed 23 overall including 20 through the first three periods. Bednarczyk mentioned that the Trojans worked on their defense and put in a few new plays during their nine-day layoff after the regular season. He feels that their 3-2 zone has improved a lot. We discussed the big turnaround from last year when they went (7-15, 4-8). Bednarczyk said they worked hard in the offseason and wanted to make a statement about Tulpehocken basketball. The Trojans ended up second in Division 4 in back of Antietam. J.D. Ricapito’s club swept three games from Brandywine Heights. Their matchup on January 25th went to overtime with the Trojans prevailing 60-59. This was another nailbiter. The Bullets proved that they’re better than their (2-10) league mark. Tulpehocken advances to the District 3-3A semifinals at #2 York Catholic. That’s a 7pm tip on Thursday. The top three squads in Class 3A qualify for the state playoffs.