Hornets return to the hoops

By TED WADDELL
Posted 2/3/21

HONESDALE, PA — The Lone Ranger would have loved it.

When the Honesdale Hornets boys’ varsity basketball team took to the home court for the first time in this COVID-ravaged season on …

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Hornets return to the hoops

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HONESDALE, PA — The Lone Ranger would have loved it.

When the Honesdale Hornets boys’ varsity basketball team took to the home court for the first time in this COVID-ravaged season on Thursday, January 28, everyone was masked up, including the players, coaching staff and the spectators.

In the wake of the visitors taking a slim 12-10 lead at the end of the first frame, the Hornets buzzed back in the second period to outscore the Trojans 15-14.

But then things crashed for the home team. North Pocono crushed them in the second half, out posting them 24-5 in the third period, and 15-5 in the final frame to record a 68-35 win.

Honesdale’s leading scorers were Jimmy Rodda (10 points including a 3-pointer), Karter Kromko (9 points, all 3-pointers). North Pocono: Ryan Ruddy (19), Zach Walsh (12 points including a pair of 3-pointers), Matt Domanish (10), Kyle Serine (8), Demarco Maglio (7 points including a 3-pointer).

The Hornets of 2021 field a six-pack squad of seniors: Connor Coar (guard), Jimmy Rodda (forward), Jacob Lyle (forward), Sam Jones (guard), Paul Meagher (forward/guard) and Kane Rogers (center).

The roster is filled out with three juniors and six sophomores. The team is captained by upperclassmen Jones, Rodda and Lyle.

“It’s a weird year,” said Nick Joyle, now in his second season at the helm of the boys’ varsity hoopsters.

Joyle said he was “a little disappointed” with his team’s performance in the second half, commenting, “It seemed like adversity struck, and we didn’t strike back.”

The game marked the Hornets’ first time on the court this season as they went up against North Pocono, the second-place team in the area, who took to the hardwood in their fourth game of the year.

“ have some talented players and really pushed the envelope, trapping us in the second half, and we didn’t respond,” said Joyle.

What’s his take on the new season, and what’s he looking for?

“The thing I’ve been stressing to the kids is don’t take anything for granted; every moment you have on the court is precious,” replied Joyle. “I’m looking for resilience, the positivity—that energy that when you get hit... are you going to be upset and pout, or are you going to fight back?”

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