JACKSON TWP — Sixteen points typically makes for a solid quarter in high school basketball.

But Pine-Richland is not your typical high school team.

Rams' coach Jeff Ackermann watched his team tally 16 points in the second period of Tuesday's boys section game at Seneca Valley and later remarked, 'We slowed down in the second quarter and I'm not sure why.'

At halftime, with the Rams leading by 10 points, Ackermann challenged his players.

“I told them that we could go out and let Seneca draw closer and maybe we pull it out late tonight,” he said. “Or we could go out and extend that lead. As it turned out, we jumped all over them.”

With a 30-9 run in the third quarter that ended the competitive aspect of Pine-Richland's 86-57 victory.

“Pine-Richland is a really good team, but when you allow into the 80s, that's too many points,” said SV coach Kevin Trost. “They have a really good offense and it's tough to guard them.”

Three players in particular sparked the lopsided win. Kyle Polce, Greg Shulkosky and Dan Petcash — all guards — scored 21, 20 and 19 points, respectively. They each had big third quarters as the Rams dropped an 11-2 run in the first three minutes of the period.

Polce and Petcash both made three of Pine-Richland's 12 treys in the game.

The Rams (13-2, 6-0) remained unbeaten in section play and have now won 12 straight games.

“After our loss to Upper St. Clair (51-48 on Dec. 11), I challenged our guys,” Ackermann said. “I said, 'Let's win out.'”

It's the potency of his team's quick-strike offense that fuels Ackermann's confidence. It was on full display early against the Raiders, who trailed 25-13 after the first quarter.

The Raiders, however, did not let the game get out of hand. Senior center Marcus Might scored 10 of his team-high 12 points in the first two quarters and SV's deficit at halftime was manageable at 41-31.

“We want the offense to go through Marcus,” Trost said. “With his size (6-foot-7), he's a mismatch for most team's we play. I thought tonight was our best game this season of getting the ball in to him, but turnovers really hurt us in the end.

“We're more of a halfcourt team, but got hurt in transition.”

The Raiders (7-7, 2-4) have lost four straight games, three of them section contests.

“Even though we have lost four straight, the kids are upbeat and positive,” added Trost. “They are great kids and have great character.”

The Raiders play a very critical section game Friday at Central Catholic. SV defeated the Vikings in the first meeting and a repeat effort would give the Raiders the season sweep.

PINE-RICHLAND 86

Greg Shulkosky 7 4-5 20, Colin Luellen 2 0-0 5, Dan Petcash 8 0-0 19, Joey Petcash 1 0-0 3, Levi Wentz 2 0-0 4, Grant Krieger 3 0-1 6, Kyle Polce 9 0-0 21, Logan Murray 1 0-0 3, Jack Sevco 1 0-0 3, Cameron Kirkland 1 0-0 2, Patrick Shanahan 0 0-0 0, Dylan Serafini 0 0-0 0. Totals: 35 4-6 86.

SENECA VALLEY 57

Tre Rosell 3 0-0 6, Luke Rupert 1 2-2 4, Gabe Lawson 1 2-2 4, Connor Lyczek 3 1-2 7, Trey Berringer 3 0-0 7, Marcus Might 6 0-0 12, Mason Bush 2 0-0 5, Angelo Giannotta 1 0-0 3, Zac Zajacs 3 2-3 9, Brendan Koken 0 0-0 0, Cole Brooks 0 0-0 0, Ethan Baer 0 0-0 0. Totals: 23 7-9 57.

Pine-Richland 25 16 30 15 — 86

Seneca Valley13 18 9 17 — 57

3-point goals: Pine-Richland 12 (D. Petcash 3, Polce 3, Shulkosky 2, Luellen, J. Petcash, Murray, Sevco); Seneca Valley 4 (Berringer, Bush, Giannotta).

Friday: Seneca Valley at Central Catholic