On Tuesday night, Hollidaysburg's Brad Lear faced a tough challenge as his mother passed away the previous day. Yet, his Golden Tigers showed remarkable resilience on their home court, securing a decisive 57 - 25 victory over Bellwood - Antis in their Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference opener. This victory was not just about the score but a testament to the team's unity and the support they offered to their coach in a difficult time.

Coach Lear's Emotional Struggle and Support

After losing his father during basketball season five years ago, Coach Lear was deeply affected by his mother's passing. As he took the court, his emotions were raw, but his players and family provided the strength he needed. "I am a very emotional guy and it was really tough for me to be out there, but that’s what my mom would have wanted," he said. His wife brought a single rose to sit where his mom would usually be, symbolizing the love and connection they shared.The team's players, especially senior Brady Steiner, showed great empathy. "It was great for him," Steiner said. "He really needed this, and we were all here for him. This is the way we wanted it to go. We really appreciate having him here coaching us in such a tough time, and this was a really good win for him."

First Quarter: A Dominant Start

Hollidaysburg raced to a 15 - 2 lead six minutes into the first quarter and never looked back. Steiner missed his first 3 - point attempt but then hit four in a row in the second quarter as the Tigers increased their lead to 38 - 12 at halftime. His shooting prowess was on full display, finishing 6 of 7 from behind the arc. Junior Kasen Metzger also contributed with 13 points and two of the Tigers’ 10 3 - pointers.

Second Half: Maintaining the Lead

Back - to - back 3s by Steiner in the third quarter increased the margin again, and that lead swelled to as much as 35 points in the final quarter while triggering a running clock. "Steiner shot lights out, give him credit," Bellwood - Antis coach Tyler Mertiff said. "He was shooting deep ones — he wasn’t just hugging the line." The Tigers' offensive firepower was on full display, with every player contributing in some way.

Bellwood - Antis' Struggles

Bellwood - Antis had one returning starter, but senior Holden Schreier was in a walking boot. Junior Martin Fatzinger had 10 points to lead the Blue Devils, but they didn't score more than seven points in a quarter. "We’re a young team," Mertiff said. "We just have to keep working hard and improving. My condolences go out to coach Lear. I was telling him I lost my mom six months ago. It’s a credit to him to go out there tonight. That’s a tough thing to do. But I’m sure winning the game helped him. They played well."Bellwood - Antis travels to Somerset Friday, while Hollidaysburg is at Chestnut Ridge.The Hollidaysburg Golden Tigers' victory was not just a win on the scoreboard but a story of resilience, unity, and the power of sports in difficult times.