Clarion 6th Graders Fall to Brookville in Monday Night Basketball League Finale (02/20/14)

(Article and Photos by Kenn Staub)

The Clarion 6th Graders took on Brookville February 17th at Joe’s Gym, in the last Monday Night Basketball League game of the season. Unfortunately the season did not end as the Bobcats might have hoped, with Brookville downing the Clarion cagers 37-28.

Nick Frederick guarding his man

Nick Frederick guarding his man

Brookville opened the game by jumping out to an 8-3 lead, with the only Bobcat scores in the first five minutes of play, the product of a Skylar Rhoades bucket and a Nick Frederick foul shot. As the half continued, Clarion scored eight of the next fourteen points, with Tyler Schmader contributing four for the Bobcats, to whittle away at Brookville’s lead and make the score 14-11.

Despite a Frederick three pointer and baskets by Rhoades and Cal German, Brookville extended their lead in the final five minutes prior to halftime,  pushing ahead by a score of 25-18. Frederick led all Clarion scorers with 6 points in the first half, while Rhoades, German, and Schmader each contributed four.

The two teams played even during the first five minutes of the second half, each scoring five points, including another three pointer by Clarion’s Frederick, to make the score 30-23 in Brookville’s favor.  At this point Brookville saw things go their way, embarking on a seven point run that put them in the lead 37-23. The Bobcats tried to claw their way back into the game, with Josh Craig hitting a three pointer and Rhoades adding a bucket, however it was too little too late and Brookville prevailed 37-28.

Cal German against a Brookville defender

Cal German against a Brookville defender

Frederick and Craig had three points in the second half, as both converted shots from beyond the arch.

Frederick led all Clarion scorers with 9 points, including 2 three pointers. Rhoades and German finished with 6 points apiece and Schmader had four.  Craig settled for 3, all on a second half three pointer. Also playing for Clarion were Bill Huffman, Ben Murtha, and Lake Staub.

Clarion Coach Keith Murtha thought his team “played a very solid game from start to finish.” He acknowledged that Brookville has a very good team, and noted, “I was excited to see the growth from when we played them earlier in the season [at a tournament].” Coach Murtha described his team’s season as “a great journey of growth and fun,” adding that he is “looking forward to watching these players in junior high and beyond.”  In closing, Coach Murtha extended thanks to Coach Jason Craig for his time and organization, the parents for their support, and the players.

(Thanks to Kenn Staub for this article and photos.)