KITTANNING -- One losing streak ended, while another was extended. Deer Lakes put it all together Friday night on the road at Kittanning in a matchup of local non-playoff teams. The Lancers ended an eight-game losing skid with a 79-51 Section 1-AAA victory, while handing the host Wildcats their 19th straight defeat. The Wildcats (0-10, 1-19) won their season opener, 53-48, over Imani Christian on Dec. 3. But they haven't won since. Deer Lakes' last win was Jan. 4 against none other than Kittanning. "That is the best game we played all year," said Lancers coach Kevin Smetak, whose team improved to 2-8, 3-17. "We defended well and shot well. Despite our record, these kids have great enthusiasm. The payoff came through tonight." Said Kittanning coach Doug Flanders: "We are just learning. We are a young team." Young team or not, the Wildcats didn't take care of the basketball against the Lancers. Kittanning turned the ball over 30 times, with most of the turnovers coming on telegraphed passes. Jon Bastian and Chris McIntyre provided the Lancers' offense, combining for 56 points. Bastian, a sophomore, scored a career-high 31, including 15 in the first quarter. McIntyre chipped in an additional 25 points, including six 3-pointers. One bright spot for Kittanning this season has been the play of Phil Stolitza. Last year, he broke the school single-season three-point record with 52, and he surpassed that mark earlier this season. He made three more treys Friday to up the record to 58. "Phil is a great set shooter," Flanders said. "His game got a lot better as the season went along as he drove to the hoop." Stolitza, Joel Metz and Jared Bowser led the Wildcats with nine points apiece. The Wildcats have three games remaining, vs. Mars, at Highlands and vs. West Shamokin.

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