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CROTON-ON-HARMON, N.Y. If the first meeting is any predictor, Fridays rematch between the Croton and Pleasantville boys basketball teams should be a thriller.
Pleasantvilles James Leyden hit a three-point shot with just 15 seconds remaining to lift the Panthers to a 68-65 victory over visiting Croton three weeks ago. The Tigers trailed for most of the game, but mounted a comeback from a 17-point deficit to tie the game at 65-65 before Leydens winner went through the net.
Croton (11-2) used the loss as a motivator and has gone on a six-game winning streak, while Pleasantville (10-2) is coming off its second loss of the season in a 56-46 battle with Briarcliff. The Tigers defeated Briarcliff 74-66 a week ago.
Charlie Montgomery, who scored a game-high 25 points in the first meeting, leads a Panthers team that relies on its aggressive defense and good ball movement on offense. Jack Eisenberg works the point guard spot and Nick Greto and Glen Robinson are keys to the Panthers defense.
Croton has shown great scoring balance and is tough to defend with leading scorer Ian Thom, Wes Turner, Aaron Thompson and Rob Simmons anchoring a disciplined offense. The Tigers will run whenever possible.
The Tigers will look to even the season series when they host the Panthers in a 6:15 p.m. tip-off.
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