By JIM EXLINE

The Press-News

The Sandy Valley boys basketball team split two games last week. On Tuesday, Jan. 26, they defeated Conotton Valley by the score of 50-33. On Friday, Jan. 29, they lost to Malvern by the score of 49-47.

Against Conotton Valley, the Cardinals jumped out to an early lead, leading 13-5 after one period. The score at halftime was 19-13. After three, Sandy Valley was still in control, leading 30-22.

The Cardinals shot 39 percent from the floor and 50 percent from the line. Corey Fisher was their leading scorer with 13. Zach Mozden added 10 points.

As a team, Sandy Valley grabbed 25 rebounds, allowed only eight turnovers and committed 16 fouls. Welker had 10 rebounds and four steals. Nick Williams had five assists.

The junior varsity won their game against Conotton Valley by the score of 48-31.

In their loss to Malvern, the Cardinals found themselves behind early. The score after one period was 15-7, in favor of Malvern. At halftime, the Cardinals were down 29-20. They whittled away at Malvern's lead, and after three were down just 37-31. They never gave up, and with just seconds to go, the game was within reach, but unfortunately, Malvern sunk a shot at the buzzer to steal the game.

Against Malvern, the Cards shot 46 percent from the floor and 67 percent from the free throw line. The leading scorers for the Cardinals were Welker and Mozden, with 13 points each. Williams added nine.

Sandy Valley had 25 team rebounds, turned the ball over just nine times, and were called for 17 fouls. Welker grabbed 10 rebounds, and Williams had four assists.

The junior varsity defeated Malvern 35-33.

With these two games, the Cardinals record goes to 6-9 overall, and 3-8 in league play.

Up next for the Cardinals is an away game against Strasburg that will have been played by press time, on Tuesday, Feb. 2. That will be the Cardinals only game this week.