Junior High Bobcats Basketball Team Records Three Big Wins to Claim Union Tournament!! (02/18/20)

on 18 February, 2020 at 16:29

(Above Photo by Mindi Verdill) Clarion Junior High Boys Basketball Team: 2020 Union Tournament Champions!

The Clarion Area Boys Basketball Team had a great day at the Union Tournament on Saturday, February 8th, going 3-0, to claim the Championship.

(Photo by Nate Girvan) Ashton Rex and Dawson Smail with a little zone defense against Keystone

Coach Keith Murtha shares this summary of the day’s action:

Clarion Started the morning with a familiar foe, Keystone. Playing in a tournament, they played collegiate style, with two 15 minute halves. The Bobcats wasted no time and jumped out to a 16-7 lead. Keystone battle back in the second half, keeping close, but Clarion maintained their edge in a 23-21 run for a final score of 39-28.

(Photo by Nate Girvan) Bryce Brinkley playing some tough defense against Karns City

Next up were the Gremlins, a team the Bobcats had not yet played. Clarion stuck to their strategy, got ahead early, 18-9 and never looked back! The Bobcats used their full defensive arsenal, keeping up a 14-11 run in the second half for a final score of 34-20.

(Photo by Nate Girvan) Championship Game Tip-off

On to the Championship, against host Union, These same two teams met last year, where the Bobcats had to go to overtime with Keystone in the semi’s to advance. They put up a valiant fight but utterly exhausted would take home the runner-up trophy.

(Photo by Nate Girvan) Dauntae Girvan fighting for a rebound against Union

The tide would turn today! Destined to change what happened to them in the first game of the season, the Bobcats got off to fast start and led at the half 26-20. The gym was electric with energy and the second half did not disappoint, with 27-25 run by the Bobcats for fantastic basketball game 53-45 final Clarion Tournament Champions!!

(Photo by Nate Girvan) Bailee Verdill tipping the ball away, on some great defense against Union

(Thanks to Mindi Verdill and Nate Girvan for their great photos and to Coach Murtha for his fine summary. Congratulations Bobcats!!!!)