Junior High Boys Basketball A-Team 6-1 At Mid-Season (02/02/18)
(By Coach Keith Murtha)
At the Midseason mark of the Junior High basketball season, The Clarion A-Team stands at a record of 6-1. Here‘s a look at how they got there.
(Thanks to Kristen Geiger for action photos) Christian Simko on a layup against C-L
Clarion-Limestone
The Bobcats opened up the season at open against cross town rivals Clarion-Limestone Lions. The teams were tied after 1 period 6-6, the Lions went on a run in the second 11-2 but after some half-time adjustments the Bobcats went on a 17-8 and 12-6 run on their way to 45-31 victory! Christian Simko led all scorers with 14 points and Austin Coull chipped in 13 for the Lions.
Cranberry
Next, Clarion hosted Cranberry who proved to be no match for the Bobcats this year as the Bobcats worked through a number of offenses and defenses and as the final buzzer sounded won 61-16. Beau Verdill led the charge with 20 points and Nathan Kaltenbach chipped in a basket!
Chase Kriebel with a shot against Forest Area
Moniteau
Turning the page, the Moniteau Warriors came to town, but the Bobcats were off to a fast start with 20-13 half time lead, the second half showed more of the same with a balanced team effort from Christian Simko, Chase Kriebel, Beau Verdill, Aidan Quinn and Cam Lapinto led Clarion to a 33-19 win.
North Clarion
North Clarion traveled to the county seat to take on your Bobcats, who played perhaps their best came so far! They came out firing with a score of 10-5 at the end of the 1st period. Half time saw a 22-13 lead and with some half-time adjustments the Bobcats went on a 17-7 followed a 12-7 run in the second half for a final score of 51-27. The duo of Chase Kriebel and Christian Simko had big nights supported by Aidan Quinn scoring 21 and 19 respectively.
Beau Verdill against Forest Area
Forest Area
Clarion then took to the road to face the Forest Fires, sharpening their offensive and defensive skills all players scored in this one! Cam Lapinto and Beau Verdill had solid games for the Bobcats.
Keystone
Clarion traveled to Keystone for the battle of the undefeated, Keystone jumped out to a big lead with a talented, physical 9th grade laden team 13-4. Half time saw a 26-8 deficit for the Bobcats and some foul trouble. Third quarter didn’t get any better as Keystone went on a 24-5 run. Ryan Alston and Aidan Quinn provide the bright spots for the Bobcats in their first loss.
A-C Valley
The Bobcats bounced back as they traveled to Emlenton to face the Falcons of A-C Valley. It opened up as a fairly tight first quarter, Clarion up 12-9, after a quick adjustment, Clarion took control with a 24-12 lead at the half. Third quarter saw more of the same from the Bobcats as they went up 36-17 which lead to the Bobcats back to their winning ways 40-26. It was a team effort for Cole Whren, Aidan Quinn, Beau Verdill, Chase Kriebel and Christian Simko.
Here to similar success and development in the second half of the season! Way to go Bobcats! The Bobcats will host Redbank Valley Monday, February 5th with 3:45 tip off!
(Thanks to Coach Murtha for this summary and to Kristen Geiger for the photos. Great Work, Bobcats!!!!)