Hazleton too much for Norristown

For Digital First Media

SALEM TWP. » Ronald Reagan was always fond of saying “dance with the one that brung ya.’’

Coaches have been to preach it, too, as a way to stay fervently loyal to the beliefs and system that made them, even in the most pressure-packed situations.

The Hazleton Area boys’ basketball team certainly didn’t deviate from its tried-and-true formula for success for its PIAA Class 6A opening round playoff game against Norristown on Saturday before a packed house at Berwick Varsity Gymnasium.

The Cougars (24-1) knocked down all five of their 3-point attempts in the first quarter, built a double-digit lead that was never really in danger of being overcome, used its superior length to disrupt the Eagles’ attack and finally turned its high-flying act loose in the second half.

The result was a 62-45 victory for Hazleton Area, its first win in the state tournament since 2014, and a Round of 16 matchup with Pocono Mountain West, a 53-52 winner over Chambersburg, also on Saturday.

“We just wanted to come out and put on a show for these fans because they’ve been so loyal to us,’’ said the Cougars’ Joey Grula, who led all scorers with 19 points, including nine on three triples in the first quarter alone. “It seemed like there were all Cougar fans in here . ... It was crazy.’’

Just like they did against Scranton in the District 2/4 Subregional final one week earlier, the Cougars came out sizzling.

Grula’s first three put his team ahead to stay (5-2) less than two minutes into the game. By the time the first quarter was over, he drained two more and teammates Josh Samec and Jeff Planutis added one apiece as Hazleton Area grabbed a 17-6 lead.

“That was the goal ... to come out here and be the main puncher instead of taking (a shot) from them,’’ Planutis said . “Coach (Mike Joseph) wanted us to come out and be the bullies.’’

Mission accomplished, for the Eagles never really could escape from the corner, though they tried.

“Hazleton’s always a tough team, but this year they pose even