Bobcats Down Mustangs In Opening Round Of PIAA State Boys 2A Basketball Championships

Photos courtesy of Katie Kiehl: Above – Wyatt Watterson moving the ball down court

The Clarion Bobcats downed the visiting Muncy Mustangs 46-42, in the opening round of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association’s (PIAA) Boys 2A Basketball Championship Tournament.

The Bobcats led 9-5 after one period. Muncy led19-17 at the half, holding a 14-8 edge in the second and with a 16-10 advantage in the third, they carried a 35-27 lead to the fourth.

But a big Bobcat 19-7 edge in the final stanza, gave Clarion the 46-42 victory.

Dylan Smail led the Bobcat scoring with sixteen points, including two buckets from beyond the arc. Nathan Frederick also hit for double-figures, with thirteen including a trey.

Mason Burford had 7 points, Parker Miller had 6 points and Wyatt Watterson finished with four.

Parker and Wyatt each had a long range basket.

Jackson Frantz and Dyaln Mausteller led the Mustangs with eleven points apiece.

Clarion head coach Sam Heeter shared, “It as nice to see the boys rise to the challenge that was put in front of them. The resiliency they showed was inspiring, and it gives me a lot of confidence moving forward.

“Wyatt made a few big plays down the stretch when we needed a clutch play which was a major contribution.

“Everybody contributed to this one.

“Mason was able to give us some big steals and extra possessions on rebounds, Nathan and Dylan did a great job of putting the ball in the hoop, Quinn, Trey, and Parker gave us outstanding effort on the defensive end of the floor.

“It was truly a team win.”

Clarion’s second round game is set for Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at Armstrong High School, in Kittaning as they face District 6 champion United.

(Keep up the good work, Bobcats!!!! Thanks to Katie Kiehl for her great photos!!)