Fredonia's Nick Whitfield (22) dunks for the team's first two points during Saturday's game at the Erie Insurance Arena against Corry (Pa.) in Erie, Pa. OBSERVER Photo by Roger Coda.

ERIE, Pa. — The Fredonia Hillbillies boys basketball team had a chance to play in a professional venue on Saturday afternoon in Erie and they lived up to the moment. Fredonia beat Corry (Pa.) by a score of 55-45 at the Erie Insurance Arena.

“It was a great experience for our kids,” said Fredonia coach Nick Bertrando. “Corry is a well-coached, talented team. It was a great battle for us and just a really memorable experience for our guys.”

Nick Whitfield made sure it was a day to remember from the start, as the Fredonia sophomore threw down a dunk for the team’s first two points. Whitfield was far from finished on the day, as he finished with a team-high 18 points. He also had nine rebounds.

Fredonia had a narrow lead after each of the first three quarters, including just a one-point lead at the half, but the Hillbillies broke the game open in the fourth quarter with 23 points as a team, including nine from Whitfield.

Also for Fredonia, second-leading scorer Tyler Putney had a big game on the boards with a team-high 13 rebounds, to go with his 12 points. Kaleb Rybij also had nine points, eight rebounds and five assists.

Fredonia's Nick Whitfield (22) shoots during Saturday's game at the Erie Insurance Arena against Corry (Pa.) in Erie, Pa. OBSERVER Photo by Roger Coda.

Fredonia (2-0) has another trip across state lines next week, as the Hillbillies travel to Harborcreek on Tuesday.

Fredonia's Patrick Reading (23) shoots during Saturday's game at the Erie Insurance Arena against Corry (Pa.) in Erie, Pa. OBSERVER Photo by Roger Coda.

Fredonia's Alec Schrader (in white) works against a Corry defender during Saturday's game at the Erie Insurance Arena. OBSERVER Photo by Roger Coda.

Fredonia's Kaleb Rybij (2) goes up for a layup during Saturday's game at the Erie Insurance Arena against Corry (Pa.) in Erie, Pa. OBSERVER Photo by Roger Coda.