Entering the week 3-1, Tyrone will look to improve against several tough Mountain League opponents.

Tyrone will be tested this Friday against Mountain League opponent Clearfield. Unlike the other teams in the Mountain League, Clearfield returns all their starters but one.

“We will really have to step up our game against [Clearfield] or it will be a rough game,” said senior Anthony Politza.

Clearfield plays a rough style of basketball that seems like they are playing football but on the hardwood.

Last season, Tyrone was stomped in Clearfield but rallied and won the Mountain League with a convincing win against Clearfield at home.

The game will be a tough one for each team as the rivalry between both schools has extended from football.

Next week, Tyrone faces a unknown Mount Union team that could bring some surprising challenges.

Mount Union boasts athletic players most years, however Tyrone has many athletes on the team this year as well.

Both teams have lost great players to graduation and will need underclassmen to step up.

All in all, Tyrone’s athleticism and discipline will counter and overcome anything Mount Union attempts to produce.

To finish off their pre-break games, Tyrone plays Central next Wednesday as a rescheduled game.

Originally to be played on December 11th, the game was rescheduled because Central’s football team was still playing.

“We know they are always a physical team. The matchup will be a hard fought, aggressive basketball game,” commented junior forward Michael Lewis.

The rivalry between Tyrone and Central has continually grown and has spread from football to the hardwood as well.

“As a JV team they had the advantage with their size and only lost to us last year,” said sophomore Noel Politza, “But at a varsity level it will be different.”

Last year, Central had two very good players but lacked a sufficient team overall to produce enough to beat most teams. However, this year there are several JV players who are stepping up to varsity together for Central.

With a rugged defensive mindset, Tyrone’s boys could sit at 6-1 by the time Santa comes to town.

Upcoming games/location/start times:

• December 18: Clearfield, 7:30
• December 21:  @ Mount Union, 7:30
• December 23: Central, 7:30