On Tuesday, December 1st, through Saturday, December 5th, the bears kicked off their 2009 basketball season at the Stafford tournament.

The Bears started off the tournament with first game jitters but were able to pull off a win against the Mountain Grove Panthers. The game was a heart stopper that came down to a final play. With two seconds remaining, Clint Harper shot a three to win the game 71-70. The junior varsity was also successful at their first game against Mountain Grove with a score of 54-26.

“It was a sloppy game, but I’m really proud of their effort. We take the win any way we can get it,” stated Coach Mallow.

Next, the Bears played Southwest on Thursday, December 3rd. This game was a close one just like the first, and at the end of the game the Bears missed two shots as time ran out and unfortunately lost by one. The final score was Bears-53, Southwest-54. The junior varsity also had a close game but came out on top with a score of 59-55.

“We played much better tonight. We just didn’t finish and our free throw shooting wasn’t as good as I’d like to see,” commented Coach Mallow.

Last, the Bears played Fair Grove on Saturday, December 5th for third place. The game started out close, but soon with their size advantage, the Fair Grove Eagles pulled off to a lead. The Bears cut the lead down at the end of the game but were still never able to get caught up all the way. The Bears lost with a final score of 58-69.

That ended the tournament for the Bears with a fourth place finish. The junior varsity Bears also had a loss to the Strafford Indians but walked away with a second place trophy. The Bears hope to use what they learned from these first three games to better prepare themselves for what is up ahead.