Donegal came out hot and Manheim Central never recovered in a 49-30 boys' basketball loss to the Indians last Tuesday.

"We shot a low percentage and Donegal flustered us and we never got in a rhythm," Barons' coach Charlie Fisher said. "We were down 15-3 in a blink of an eye. There were glimpses where it looked like we'd get back in it but could never get composure."

Manheim had a rough night shooting, going 2-for-22 on 3-point attempts. Trey Grube paced the Barons with 10 points and Judd Novak added eight.

After losing their first two games of the season, the Barons had won 10 games in a row, prior to the Donegal loss.

Fisher said the loss serves as a wakeup call and illustrates that Manheim must be focused.

"It didn't look like we weren't ready," Fisher said, "but when the ball went up, it was ugly."

WRESTLING

Manheim rallied for a 31-30 victory in the final bout of the night against Elizabethtown on Jan. 13 at Manheim Middle School.

With four bouts remaining, the Barons trailed Elizabethtown 24-13. The Baron scoring spree started with Brett Barbush taking a forfeit at 172 pounds. At 215 pounds, freshman Tyler Groff earned a fall. This was followed by heavyweight Ryland Fittery also gaining a pin. Other Central winners included Leo Bonanno, Braxton Keiffer, Uriah Warner, and Brodie Daugherty.

"I'm pleased about our composure and grit," Baron's coach Quint Eno said. "Tyler Groff and Ryland Fittery knew what needed to be done and they went out and executed. Tyler, being in ninth grade, demonstrated that he's a competitor and can maintain composure in, what can be, high pressure situations. Overall, each member of the team wrestled for something other than themselves, and we love to see that."

Eno said he anticipated a close, competitive dual meet, one where each bout mattered. He said it started at 106 pounds and Luke Gibble holding a decision. He recalled big bouts throughout the match. At 113, Bonanno picked up a win. Keiffer earned a major decision at 120, and Uriah avenged a loss to E-town from last year. Daughtery got a win at 145 in his first match back after time off. AJ Hondru held his opponent to a regular decision at 152, not allowing another point after the first period (he was losing 7-1 after the first).

"And of course, our big guys coming through at 215 (Groff) and 285 (Fittery)," Eno said. "This team's competitive. We have a high ceiling, and we were ready to compete Thursday night."

The Barons competed in the Huskie Duals at Mifflin County High School on Jan. 15. Eno said Manheim wrestled some tough competition. Individually, there were some great performances. Barbush continues to look great, Eno said. He was 3-0 on the day. Keiffer continues to show why he's one of the strongest 113-pounders out there. Warner earned a great win over Southwestern. Taylor Bloom added 3 wins.

"We're continuing to see improvements from our young lightweights (Luke Gibble and Leo Bonnano)," Eno said. "Our middleweights are gaining experience every bout and Rocco Daugherty is on the verge of a breakthrough at 189 pounds. I've said it before, but we're getting better every outing. And we'll continue to put in the work."

For photos, see townlively.com

BOWLING

With Elco only having three varsity bowlers, Manheim rolled to a 7-0 victory on Jan. 13, raising their record to 7-2.

Sophomore Landen Statts had a 512 at Cain's Lanes. Jesse Hurst and Ethan Howard shot a 540 and 529, respectively, but both shot two games in junior varsity. Aaron Vogel shot a 524 and Holly Hunt had a 462.

"I was pleased with the fact they bowled like it was a real match," Barons' coach Alan Slides said. "They worked on their all-around games and improving their games."

RIFLE

The Barons defeated Manheim Township, 493-487 on Jan. 13. Anna Haldeman scored a 100. Nathan Sauder had a 99 and there was a trio of 98's by Ellie McCabe, Genna Eberly and Kyler Groff.

"Our score Thursday was okay, but definitely lower than where we would like it to be," Barons' coach Steve Waddington said. "Fortunately, we were still able pull off the win. Would like to have a few more 100s and 99s. Tuesday's match against CV was a much better day for us with a 497. With that said, having an off day can be expected. It is tough to maintain the high scores in all the matches."

The Barons beat Ephrata 498-490 on Jan. 18. Haldeman, Groff Caleb and Creviston each shot 100. Ellie McCabe and Geonna Eberly shot 99.

SWIMMING

Manheim earned wins for the boys and girls against Lancaster Catholic on Jan. 13 at Lititz Rec.

The girls prevailed 69-65. The Barons won three relays. In the 200 medley and 200 freestyle relays Makenna Enck, Raegan Nissley, Chloe Enck and Olivia Faulhaber won. In the 400 free relay Gabrielle Fittery, Michelle Giambalvo, Alexandria Cox and Enck took first place.

Raegan Nissley (200 IM and 100 breaststroke) and Fittery (500 Free) won individual honors.

The boys won 66-59, taking two relays. The 200 medley relay featured Bryce Garber, Cayden Schwebel, Anderson Pilsner and Ryan Moreno. The 200 freestyle relay was Pilsner, Garber, Moreno, and Caleb Bower.

First place winners included Pilsner (200 IM and 100 fly), Garber (100 free and 100 backstroke) and Schwebel in the 100 breaststroke.

"Indeed," Barons' coach Heather Fittery said, "It was a memorable occasion for all Baron swimmers."

In the Baron Invitational on Jan. 15, Pilsner set a personal-best in the 100 backstroke.

GIRLS' BASKETBALL

Junior Maddie Knier had another incredible performance at both ends of the court in a 65-42 victory over Elco on Jan. 14. Needing three points to reach the exclusive 1,000 point club, she finished with 30 points and nine rebounds. Knier is only the sixth player in Manheim's girls' basketball history to reach this milestone.

"It is an absolute testament to her work ethic," Barons' coach Tyson Hayes said. "She just outworks everyone. It couldn't happen to a nicer person."

Hayes said Knier has elevated her game in all three levels. "They say the mid-range game is dead, but Maddie has brought it back to life," Hayes said. "She has worked in the weight room to get stronger and absorb contact."

He said the key to the Elco win was balanced scoring. When the Raiders keyed on Knier, it opened up opportunities for others to score. Rachel Nolt added 16 points.

"They are just really getting good and buying in," Hayes said about his squad. "This team has a chance to be something special and do something that other girls at Manheim Central haven't done."

The Barons beat Donegal 52-33 on Jan. 18, good for their fifth straight win. Central jumped out to a 20-4 lead after one quarter and never looked back.