Junior High Boys Basketball Teams Close Season With Split With C-L, B-Team Finishes Undefeated (03/03/16)

(By B-Team Coach Jason Craig)

A-TEAM GAME
On Wednesday (March 2nd), the Jr. High boys basketball team traveled to Clarion-Limestone to wrap up their season against the Lions.

(Photos by Christie Datko) Nate Datko scores on a fast break!

The A-Team got things started and played well for the first half. C-L would win the first quarter 10 – 6 with Gavin Brinkley scoring 4 and Nick Frederick 2. The Bobcats fought back in the second quarter, winning it 8 – 4 and the score was knotted at 14 at the half. Nate Datko fired in 6 points in the second while Jake Burns added the other 2. Early in the second quarter, Clarion would lose the services of Josh Craig due to an ankle injury.

The Lions would control the second half. They won the 3rd quarter 14 – 2 and the final quarter 9 – 2 to set the final at 37 – 16.

Greg Kalinowski and Frederick had the only second half points for the Bobcats.

Skylar Rhoades playing some great defense!

The loss ends the season for the A-Team with a record of 10 – 4.

Scorers for Clarion: Nate Datko (6), Nick Frederick and Gavin Brinkley (4), Jake Burns and Greg Kalinowski (2)

Scorers for C-L: Hayden Callen and Colby Himes (12), Aiden Wiles (5), Deion Deas (4), Bowen Dame and Mitch Knepp (2)

B-TEAM GAME
The B-Team would be without Cal German and Skyler Pastor due to sickness. This didn’t stop them as they rolled to a 43 – 26 victory. The Lions came out firing, winning the first quarter 9 – 7. Ethan Burford drained 1 of his 3 three-pointers in the game and also a 2-point basket. Mitch Geiger also scored in the first.

Ethan Burford was the top scorer for the Bobcats!

The Bobcats got on a roll in the second period. Burford drained his second three-pointer of the day. Hunter Craddock lead the way in the second with 6 points and Donnie Cunningham followed with 4. Ben Murtha, Tyler Schmader and Beau Verdill each had baskets in the quarter. Clarion would go to halftime leading 26 – 9.

Burford hit one more 3-pointer in the third and another basket. Lucas Baker and Cunningham also had baskets for Clarion as they won the third 9 – 4. C-L won the fourth 13 – 8 but Clarion would get the win 43 – 26. Baker and Cunningham added a basket each, but this was the quarter for Ezra Brooks. Ezzy brought the fans to their feet as he drained a 10 foot jumper from the baseline.

When the dust settled, Ezzy brought them back to their feet with another jumper from the baseline. Even the C-L fans cheered for him this time.

Lucas Baker taking control of the ball!

What a great way to end an undefeated season. This is the second year in a row that the B-Team was undefeated and third time in four years.

It was an outstanding year for both teams. The future of Bobcat basketball looks very bright. I would like to thank these young men for their dedication and effort this season…..it certainly is paying off.

Beau Verdil working in the ball!

(Thanks to Coach Craig for this article and to Christie Datko for the photos. CONGRATULATIONS ON A GREAT SEASON!!!!)