In what was dubbed as the “best game of the Season” by longtime Dream broadcaster and Pennsylvania Hall of Famer, Bill Edwards, the Dream narrowly missed upsetting the PBL #1 seed and undefeated Lancaster Thunder on Saturday night by a final score of 124-115. The Dream came out blazing in the first quarter building as much as a 10 point lead against the heavily favored Thunder, but the Thunder responded in the 2nd quarter and took a narrow lead heading into halftime. The game continued to go back and forth in the second half before the Thunder extended their lead at the end of regulation and took the victory.
The highly anticipated return of PBL Player of the Week, Juwan Willis, did not disappoint as he led the Dream with 41 points and 6 assists, followed by the hot shooting of Albert Varacallo III (27 points and 7 3 pointers) and a strong performance down low by Tony Acrie collecting another double-double with 20 points and 19 rebounds. Dorian Connors had his best game in a Dream uniform tallying a season high 17 points and 10 rebounds while Chance Wright rounded out the starters in double figures with 12 points. The highlight of the day may not have come on the court though as the Dream partnered with Clearfield-Jefferson Suicide Prevention Team and Penn Highlands Healthcare to bring some much needed awareness and attention to mental health in our community and the Dream also hosted a FREE Kids Camp prior to the game at the DuBois Area YMCA that created even more hype at the game.
“That’s what it’s all about.” Owner, Albert Varacallo III said. “Wins are great and we go out there every night to compete for a win, but at the end of the day, if you can impact someone’s life in a positive way and possibly help someone going through a difficult time there is no way you can lose with that. This organization is about more than just basketball and I’m proud of the players, staff and all of our amazing partners and supporters this season who continue to help us be a positive impact on the kids and the community.” The Dream have to turn the page quickly this week as they host another long-time PBL rival, the Chautauqua Hurricane, this Saturday at 7pm at the DuBois Area Middle School, and will be back in the community as they partner with the Saint Mary’s Boys & Girls Club on Friday evening to provide another Kids Camp to the Tri-County area. More details on the game and camp to follow.