4-point play: Gary Martin returns to Franklin Co.

When boys basketball coach Gary Martin left Greencastle-Antrim for Susquehanna Township, he called it a "dream job." 

And while Martin is still living it up with the Indians, it was also dreamlike for Martin to return to Franklin County for last week's Hound Invitational Tournament.

Martin's Indians defeated Octorara before facing off against familiar foe Shippensburg in the championship.

"It was great to be back, and it was a reunion of sorts," Martin said. "It was nice to take my team there, and be in my first Christmas tournament as a head coach there."

Martin was reunited with his former players, Casey Hoover, Bryan Gembe and Brandon Stuhler, and Jack Wells, G-A assistant under Martin, also attended the tournament games.

Although Shippensburg ousted Susquehanna Township, Martin is already looking forward to next year's return.

"I really loved being back, even though I would like to trade results," he said. "Shippensburg is a good team.

"I still give Greencastle an edge to beat them when they play though," Martin added with a chuckle.

Movin' on up: On the second day of the Fannett-Metal Christmas Tournament, a new starter was inserted into the lineup for McConnellsburg, and for good reason.

Sophomore Dominick Reed had the best game of his young career in the opener against Shalom. He finished with 15 points and six rebounds, and the next day, Reed added another 15-point performance. He had five 3-pointers combined.

"He's only a sophomore, but he's a very good shooter," Spartan coach Drew Washabaugh said. "We kept him down at the junior high level last year, and I think that helped his confidence. Chase (Novak) has been doing what he needs to, but I need other guys to step up and score some points. Dom is doing that, so if he continues to do so, he'll stay in the starting lineup." 

Important week: Shippensburg proved itself last week by defending its own tournament championship, and now, the Greyhounds will be put to the Mid Penn Colonial Division test.

The Hounds currently sit atop the standings, but will have its toughest week yet. On Tuesday, Ship heads to Waynesboro, which has just one blemish on its conference record. Then the Greyhounds turn right around and host the only other undefeated Colonial team, Greencastle, on Friday.

This time next week, Ship should have a much better idea about how likely a three-peat for division champs will be.

Tiny atmosphere: One thing that's always a factor when playing at Fannett-Metal's gymnasium is its sheer size.

The gym is combined with the cafeteria, and the crowd feels almost as if it's a part of the court. There are just a mere few feet between the arc and the sidelines.

"It adds a little different dimension because it is a little narrow and shorter," Shalom coach Danley Shank said. "You have to make some adjustments because your floor spacing is more important." 

But having a small floor isn't always an advantage for the home-court Tigers.

"It's rough on us, though, when we go away and play on a bigger court," F-M coach Jeff Winegardner said. "It's definitely a small gym, so it's an advantage for us. Teams are used to being on the wider court, and ours is probably the smallest around."