WAJ Clips HT Boys Varsity in Thriller

Photos and article by Max Oppen, Stats by Nate Lull

TANNERSVILLE — Whenever these two teams meet, fans can expect a competitive matchup, and this contest was no exception. The Hunter-Tannersville Boys Varsity fell to their rivals, Windham-Ashland-Jewett, by three points, 45–42. WAJ erased a 10-point deficit to secure the win in what was an exciting game from start to finish.

HT Head Coach Chris Glennon praised the atmosphere surrounding the matchup, calling it the first installment of the “Battle of the Mountaintop.” He said, “We led for three quarters but could never pull away from WAJ, and only scored 5 points in the fourth quarter. That was the difference.” Glennon credited WAJ for their performance and highlighted key contributions, adding, “Patrick Dempsey (22 points) was huge for [WAJ] as we lost track of him, and he made us pay with some big hoops.” Glennon also noted that WAJ’s Owen Pellettier hurt HT in the third quarter with 10 points. Reflecting on the loss, he said, “It was disappointing, but we will get back to work.” HT’s Gideon Glennon scored 21 points with 6 rebounds and Donivan Garcia scored 8 points.

The game also marked the first varsity season for WAJ Head Coach Mike Pellettier after a long hiatus from coaching. “It’s such a great rivalry,” said Pellettier, who reflected on the growing trend of combining school districts’ sports teams. “I’d love to combine these guys; get them together. I’d love to work with Chris [Glennon]. We’re just two small schools out here, scrapping. Whenever we get together, it’s great. We have a great team.” Pellettier came from the Adirondacks to coach WAJ and said he returned to the sidelines because he has two sons on the team. “Somebody needed to step up, and I was happy to do it,” Pellettier said.

The two teams will meet again on February 6, when HT hosts WAJ on their home court.