Clarion County Special Olympics Basketball Has Banner Day At Western Regional Spring Sectional
Photos submitted – Above: SOPA Clarion Special Olympics basketball, 22+ 5v5 team (L-R) Bill Stout, Tyler Smith, Jordan Champion, Jarod Wolbert, Kiara Martin, Jordan Myers, Vanessa Larson, Brandon Barclay, Coach Jimmy Smathers
The Clarion County Special Olympics Wildcats basketball team had a great day at the Western Regional Sectional Spring Meet, held on Sunday, April 12th at Carnegie Mellon University.
The SOPA Clarion athetes, under the mentorship of coaches Emily Frischman-Brent, Prince Brooks, Jimmy Smathers, Jenya Moore, Allie Brent and Scott Myers, turned in some quality performances.
The (Division 6) 5v5 team captured the Silver Medal, with the 16+ 3v3 and the 22+ 3v3 both posting fourth place finishes.
A number of Wildcats captured medals in the Skills Competition.
Coaches Smathers and Brooks were in charge of the 22+ 5v5.
Coach Smathers provided this recap. “The 5v5 lost first game, but came back to win two straight and a silver medal. The Clarion Wildcats 5 on 5 team ended the day with a silver medal. Jared Wolbert lead the team in points with a total of 21 for the day. He also lead the team in assists and steals with 7 and 10, respectively. Jordan Champion secured a team-high 10 rebounds for the day. Tyler Smith secured the team’s only block of the day with an instrumental shot denial in the final game against Crawford.
“Vanessa Larson (10points), Jordan Champion (14pts), and Kiera Martin (13pts) were the other Wildcats to score in double digits. The bulk of Martin’s points were from her tenacious fast breaks that resulted in easy layups, which really helped power the momentum for the Wildcats in the later games. Tyler Smith and Vanessa Larson also secured 8 rebounds for the team, with Bill Stout cleaning the glass 5 times. Stout also secured the only shot from beyond the arc for the Wildcats, with his laser three-pointer in the final game against Crawford.”
The Wildcats came up big on defense too. “Jordan Myers’ relentless defense was also a contributing factor to the team’s success. He and Brandon Barclay secured the team’s second highest steal count with 2 apiece.The bulk of Martin’s points were from her tenacious fast breaks that resulted in easy layups, which really helped power the momentum for the Wildcats in the later games. Smith and Larson also secured 8 rebounds for the team, with Stout clearing the glass 5 times. Stout also secured the only shot from beyond the arc for the Wildcats, with his laser three-pointer in the final game against Crawford. Myers’ relentless defense was also a contributing factor to the team’s success. He and Brandon Barclay secured the team’s second highest steal count with two apiece.
“I should also add that the team was missing their star point guard, Ezra Brooks, who was out due to illness. Despite the odds, the team was able to carry the load of Brooks’ absence. Their dedication, teamwork, and love of the game, is what earned them their silver medal.”
Allie Brent and Scott Myers coached the 16+ 3v3’s.
The coaches had some fine comments on the new team.
“Though our team finished fourth in our very first year of 3v3, the story of this season is about so much more than placement—it’s about progress, unity, and heart.
“From the very first tip-off to the final buzzer, our athletes showed incredible individual growth in their skills. Every game, they played stronger, smarter, and with more confidence. But what stood out most wasn’t just the dribbling, shooting, or defending—it was the teamwork. You could see the chemistry building, game by game. They believed in each other, encouraged one another, and came together as one unit.”
“This group is just getting started, and the future is bright. They’re hungry to keep improving, not only as individuals but also as a team. The foundation has been set, and what a strong one it is!
“One of the most beautiful things this season? The unity. That sense of togetherness, the shared high-fives, the laughter, the support—it made this season special in ways that go far beyond the scoreboard.
“Watch out—this team is on the rise.”
Coach Brooks commented on the play of the 22+ 3v3 Wildcats, “All members of the team scored multiple points and every game was within just a few scores. We played 3 games of 20 minutes of straight play with only one sub.”
“Brynn, Kayla, Shirley, and Kelsey all played incredibly well, improving in every game with their teamwork and we’re especially aggressive on defense!”
Coaches Brent and Myers were in charge of theSOPA Clarion Skills athletes, who garnered 3 Gold, 3 Silver and one Bronze Medal. The Skills Competition tested all around skills and included 3 elements: target passing, shooting, and 10 meter dribble.
Thee athetes were split into divisions based on individual ability/skills, and medaled within their divisions.
Winning Gold for the Wildcats were Dalton Beary, Flossy Emahizer and Wesley Smart. Silver Medalists were Roan McKissick, Iva Slee and Cassi Zitzman. Wade Huwar won a Bronze Medal.
Coaches Brent and Myers shared,
“Major shoutout to Iva for being so helpful with Flossy and other athletes. Roan and Iva for taking silver at their first skills competition!”
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer or who knows someone who may qualify as an athlete, please Clarioncountyspecialolympics@gmail.com.
They are currently looking for sponsors.
Donations can be made to:
Clarion County Special Olympics
PO BOX 10
Clarion, PA 16214.
(Great Job, SOPA Clarion Wildcats!!!! Thanks to all who contributed to this article!!)