by Alissa Chapman

Saturday, December 4, the Willow Springs Bears varsity basketball team traveled to play in the Strafford Invitational Tournament championship game. The Bears were the underdogs of the game as they were ranked 3rd in the tournament yet were battling for the championship game against the Strafford Indians on their home court. Fighting through the adversity, the Bears upset the Indians 56-53.

In the first half, the Bears were not playing to their full potential. Taking advantage of Willow’s foul trouble, the Indians ended the half with an 8 point lead. Strafford’s Connor Wilson dominated his team’s scoring the first half, contributing 18 points by himself.

The Bears came back on the court for the second half looking like a whole new team. Defensively, Allen Brasier held Wilson to only 6 points in the second half. “I thought Allen’s second half defense was key,” said Coach Mike Mallow. Defensive rebounds added to the team’s success. Clint Harper had an amazing steal, dribbled down the court, and finished the play with his first game dunk. “Harper played a great second half,” commented Mallow.

The Bears finally took the lead during the fourth quarter but not far enough to keep the Indians from gaining it back. With 47 seconds left, the game was tied at 53. Willow held the ball for the final shot. With the clock running down, Cole Johnson drove to the basket and dumped the ball to Allen Brasier. As the ball was going into the basket, a foul was called against Strafford. Allen sank the free throw, giving the Bears a 3 point lead with just a few seconds left. Wilson shot a 3 pointer as the buzzer sounded. Luckily, the ball bounced off the rim and the Bears won the first place trophy.

Offensively, Taylor James led the team with 18 points. “Taylor made some huge second quarter shots to keep the game close,” added Mallow. Clint Harper added 12 points. Jared Hummel dribbled through defenders and contributed 10 points.  Tyler Fredrick helped with 7 points. Brasier and Cole paired up with 4 points each. Zach Cunningham contributed with 1 point.

“It was a team win.  I can think of some way that everyone contributed,” commented Mallow.  “We still have too many defensive lapses, but we are continuing to get better.”

Congratulations Bears on the first place finish! Come watch the Bears play against Licking in their home game opener Tuesday, December 7th.

From Left to Right:  Blayne Collins, Allen Brasier, Cole Johnson, Steven Mallow, Logan Wake, Mike Mallow, Clint Harper, Taylor James, Jet Crownover, Logan Welch, Tyler Fredrick, Jared Hummel, Jon Martin, Zach Cunningham, Phil Cunningham, Phil Collins, Joe Chilton, Chris Miller, Patrick Kelley, Travis Wake, Jordan Capeder, and Robert James