The Elizabethtown College men’s basketball team’s season came to an end this past weekend at the hands of Susquehanna, in an 85-64 loss. Senior Evan Hathaway put up an impressive career-high 21 points, with senior Tyler Simpkiss scoring 12, senior Joe Bodnar scoring 11, and senior Phil Wenger with nine. Needing a win to secure the number four seed in the Landmark Conference playoffs, the Blue Jays went into this game with the mindset of laying it all on the line.
Unfortunately, Etown’s offense was no match for the Crusaders’ impressive long-range scoring ability on Saturday, making 16 three-pointers, 10 of which came from Brandon Hedley, who set a school record and Landmark Conference record for three-pointers in a game. Along with Hedley, four other starters made it to double-digits.
They traded the lead for the first six minutes of the contest, but Susquehanna eventually pulled away, leading by 13 at the half. The Blue Jays had chances to gain ground and even push for the lead at times, but an inability to score and missed opportunities plagued them. They were unable to make the most of their chances.
“After the game Saturday, it was very emotional in the locker room,” Wenger said. “Realizing that it would be the last time I ever put on the Etown uniform and played at a college level, but even worse was that it was the last time I would play with my teammates and for my coaches.”
Senior center Lee Eckert was a presence that the Blue Jays missed for the game. Eckert missed the last four games of the season with a lower body injury. His presence on the defensive boards, and in the paint on offense was a strength that the team missed in the crucial game.
The Blue Jays had some hope in the second half for a comeback. Although the offense seemed to be playing with new-found life, the team’s whole-hearted effort could not maintain the game’s momentum.
Susquehanna sent the Jays to the foul line many times, giving Etown opportunities for points. The Blue Jays converted these opportunities efficiently, shooting 74 percent from the line. The offensive pressure from the Blue Jays reached a head when Wenger’s jumper at 6:35 left in the game brought Etown within eight points. However, Susquehanna immediately went on an 11-0 run, which increased its lead significantly. Wenger ended his career with a school record 243 steals and 303 assists.
The program is saying goodbye to seven seniors: Bodnar, Hathaway, Wenger, Simpkiss, Eckert, Tyler Warner and Will Schlosser.
“Playing basketball at Etown over the past four years has meant so much to me,” Wenger said. “I’ve had some amazing experiences, learned valuable lessons and formed lifelong bonds with some great guys. I am really thankful for the experience I’ve had.”
