OBSERVER
Staff Report
CLARENCE - Dylan Meyer and John Piper led the Fredonia Hillbillies to a 54-41 victory over Bennett in the opening round of the Clarence Holiday Tournament on Thursday.
With the win, the Hillbillies face either Clarence or Iroquois tonight in the championship game.
Meyer and Piper combined for 45 of the team's 54 points - Meyer had 27 and Piper added 18.
Meyer scored 17 first-half points, including 12 in the second quarter.
Not overlooking the performance from Meyer and Piper, Fredonia coach Greg Lauer raved of his team's defense against a strong school.
"They are definitely a quick, physical team," Lauer said of Bennett. "We are glad we have a schedule like this so we can play Bennett and know we can compete with a quick, physical team. We played good defense."
Fredonia jumped out to a 15-6 first-quarter lead and padded the advantage to 32-17 by intermission.
Bennett outscored the Hillbillies, 24-22 in the second half, but clutch 3-pointers by Meyer and Piper secured the win.
Meyer connected on five treys while Piper had three 3-pointers.
Trent Thompson had six rebounds while Jon Fletcher and Nick Johnston each had four assists in the win.
