Thirty-six combined wins and just one loss this season was on display on Saturday, as an undefeated Palmerton team and a one-loss Jim Thorpe squad battled in a top tier nonleague matchup.

The Bombers, who came into the game as a significant underdog to an Olympians team that is one of the most highly regarded squads in the state, were able to keep the game manageable in the first half.

But a high-powered Thorpe offense kicked into high gear in the second half, dominating in the paint and on the boards to come away with an impressive 71-46 victory.

The Bombers wanted to turn the game into an ugly one with turnovers and transition play, which they were able to accomplish early.

Palmerton trailed 15-9 after one as it forced an uncharacteristic nine JT (19-1) first-quarter turnovers.

Despite the Bombers’ (18-1) top two scorers - Brianna Moore and Bethie Morgan - picking up their third fouls just under the two-minute mark in the second quarter, Palmerton stayed within striking distance, trailing 35-28 at the half.

However, the Olympians offense foreshadowed what was to come in the second frame, as Olivia Smelas led Thorpe with six points in the quarter, all of which came from offensive rebounds.

“In the first half, we were able to hang with them, and I thought we played good pressure defense. If we make a few more foul shots and convert on some of our layups, it might have been a little closer in that first half as well,” said Palmerton head coach Dan Beck. “Then in the second half, their size and strength just took over, especially with rebounding. But it was a good challenge for us; we’ll go back and look at it and work to improve and get better.”

One-and-done rebounds on the defensive end, along with second-chance opportunities on the offensive end, fueled a Jim Thorpe 14-2 run to start the third quarter.

Skyler Searfoss, who capped the run with a strong dribble, scored eight points in the third, while Smelas yet again was dominant on the boards, collecting six rebounds.

Thorpe outscored the Bombers 18-12 to extend its lead to 14 heading into the fourth.

“I think we battled really strong on the boards, and when I have a smaller player on me, I need to take advantage of that and get good position for rebounds,” said Smelas. “There were situations where I could take advantage of that. We were able to get a lot of second-chance opportunities, which always gives us momentum when we’re able to do that.”

The Olympians carried that momentum into the fourth quarter as they went on a 14-1 run to pull away for good to lead 67-40.

It was an exceptional win for a Jim Thorpe team that will finish up regular season play this week, before heading to Martz Hall for the Schuylkill League playoffs next week.

“Late in the season, you want to be playing quality games against good teams to prepare you for the postseason. Palmerton is a good team, and was undefeated for a reason,” said Jim Thorpe head coach Nadia Gauronsky. “This was a good test and challenge for us that will only help us down the road.”

LEADING SCORERS

... Searfoss led the way with a game-high 22 for Thorpe. Mackenzie Yuhas had a nice game, adding 15, and Smelas chipped in with 14. Leah Snisky also helped out with 12. For Palmerton, Bethie Morgan paced the Bombers with 19 points, while Moore added 12.

GLASSY PERFORMANCE

... Olivia Smelas was dominant on the glass. She had 18 boards, including eight offensive rebounds. Smelas is closing in on 1,000 career rebounds, which would make her the only 1,000-point/1,000-rebound player in JT girls’ basketball history.

JIM THORPE

L. Snisky 6-0-0-12, Cinicola 0-0-0-0, Hartman 0-0-0-0, B. Snisky 0-0-0-0, H. Smelas 0-0-0-0, Wainwright 0-0-0-0, Hurley 3-2-3-8, Searfoss 8-6-7-22, O. Smelas 6-2-4-14, Yuhas 6-3-3-15; TOTALS: 29-13-17-71.

PALMERTON

Baumgardt 0-0-0-0, Frantz 1-1-2 3, Barry 2-0-0-4, Matsko 2-2-6-6, Balliet 1-0-0-2, Nemeth 0-0-0-0, Andrews 0-0-0-0, Morgan 8-1-3-19, Moore 4-2-4-12; TOTALS: 18 6-15 46.

Jim Thorpe 15 20 18 18 - 71

Palmerton 9 18 12 9 - 46

Three-pointers: Palmerton - Morgan 2, Moore 2.