BLACKBIRD SENIOR … Jack Leppelmeier tries to finish at the rim while drawing contact last Friday versus Stryker.
PHOTOS BY RACHEL NAGEL / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
FIGHT FOR POSSESSION … Cody Stewart of Stryker grabs the ball in traffic during the first half at Pettisville.
By: Sienna Gill
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
PETTISVILLE (January 30, 2026) – The Pettisville Blackbirds used a strong finish and efficient shooting on Friday night to pull away from Stryker, securing a 48-35 BBC victory on its home floor.
After a slow start offensively, the Blackbirds settled in, tightened up defensively, and controlled the tempo of the game over the next three quarters to earn the win.
Stryker (9-8, 4-4 BBC) came out with early energy and established the pace in the first quarter, outscoring Pettisville 12-5.
The Panthers found success early in the game, attacking the basket and spacing the floor, while Pettisville struggled to find a rhythm offensively. Despite the deficit, the Blackbirds remained patient and focused on limiting second-chance opportunities.
Momentum shifted in the second quarter as Pettisville’s defense took over. The Blackbirds held Stryker to only three points in the quarter, forcing contested shots and limiting clean looks from the perimeter.
Pettisville slowly chipped away at the deficit behind improved ball movement and interior touches. A late surge before halftime allowed Pettisville to edge ahead, taking an 18-15 lead into the break.
The third quarter saw the teams trade baskets as Stryker worked to regain control. The Panthers managed to tie the game midway through the quarter, but Pettisville responded with steady scoring and disciplined defense.
By the end of the quarter, the Blackbirds had reestablished a narrow advantage, leading 27-25 heading into the final frame of the game.
Pettisville put the game away in the fourth quarter with its most complete stretch of basketball. The Blackbirds poured in 21 points over the final eight minutes, using crisp perimeter shooting and strong rebounding to create separation.
Multiple three-pointers stretched the lead, while Pettisville’s defense continued to force Stryker into difficult shots.
The Panthers were limited to 10 points in the final quarter, allowing Pettisville to close out the 48-35 victory.
Jack Leppelmeier led the way for Pettisville with a double-double performance, finishing with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists. Graycen Osterday added 12 points, knocking down four shots from beyond the arc.
Pettisville shot an efficient 53 percent from the field and connected on half of its three-point attempts.
Stryker was paced by Bradley Williams with 13 points, while William Donovan, Andrew Batterson, and Cody Stewart each added six.
The Panthers struggled from the floor overall, shooting 12-of-43 and 24 percent from three-point range.
STRYKER (35) – Donovan 6; Williams 13; Capps 4; Rivas 0; Batterson 6; Stewart 6; Totals: 6-6-5 – 35
PETTISVILLE (48) – Leppelmeier 17; Galvin 7; Aeschliman 3; Osterday 12; Hastings 2; Hogrefe 0; Crawford 3; Bishop 4; Totals: 7-9-7 – 48
SHS 12 3 10 10 – 35
PHS 5 13 9 21 – 48