The Donegal Indians look to turn things around after being dealt two narrow losses over their opening weekend.

On January 8, the Tribe traveled to Northern Lebanon and came up just short in a 61-53 final. They were led offensively by junior Khalil Masden who registered 18 points.

Levi Sites netted 10 points for Donegal and despite a late game surge for the Indians, who owned the final quarter (26-13), they were not quite able to erase the deficit created by the initial three quarters.

"I'm very proud of the way the boys continued to fight until the end," commented head coach Kevin Dolan. "We just came up a little short."

The team's road trip continued the subsequent day with a January 9th visit to Susquehannock where Donegal experienced another close loss, 71-67.

Again, the Indians showed late game tenacity, outscoring Susquehannock 34-27 in second half play, led again by Masden, who poured in a game high 24 points.

Sites netted an additional 15, including an impressive 11-of-12 from the line, and Joseph Turbedsky notched a double-digit contribution, with 11 points.

WRESTLING

Donegal wrestling posted a resounding 55-12 win to open their league schedule at Lampeter-Strasburg on January 12.

Unfortunately for the LS Pioneers, quarantines and injuries led to forfeiting six consecutive duals to open the contest.

In the action that was able to take place on the mat, the Donegal cause was boosted by a fall earned by sophomore Landon Baughman at 138 lbs.

Nate Smith (106), Noah Hinkle (113), Landon Keller (120), and Silas Mumper (145) each picked up additional decision points for the Indians in the lopsided victory.

Prior to the league competition, Donegal participated in the Cedar Dual Tournament at Lebanon on Saturday, January 9th, and celebrated a second-place team finish.

The club went 3-1 at the tournament, topping Conrad Weiser (63-6), Lampeter-Strasburg (37-28) and Lebanon (64-8). Collectively, their only loss was dealt by Cedar Cliff in a 33-23 showdown.

"This team thrives on positivity," pointed out head coach Nick Evans. "Their work ethic is noticeable and their desire to overcome adversity is inspiring."

Hopeful to fit in as much competition as possible during this unconventional season, the team anticipates plenty of uncertainty, but is determined to make the most of every single opportunity.

"They just want to be competing and going through the daily wrestling grind with their Donegal brothers," Evans continued.

Leading that charge is team captains Garrett Blake and Mason Ober.

"These two gentlemen are extremely humble and lead by example," Evan said of the seniors. "They set a positive tone and are focused daily."