Visiting Madelia drained a last section shot in overtime to edge the Clipper eighth-grade boys 43-42 on Tuesday.
The Clippers trailed by a basket at the break, 17-15, but outscored the Blackhawks 23-21 in the second half for a 38-38 draw at the end of regulation.
Caleb Connor (above), who led the Clipper effort with 19 points, took the ball inside for the game’s first basket. Madelia scored on a jumper, but Connor sunk a three to put his team back in front.
Braeden Smith made the first of two foul shots, but the Blackhawks drove through the lane for a bucket. Smith put in a layup to put the Clippers up front 8-4, but Madelia kept up a frantic pace to eventually take the lead.
Completing a double-double, Connor also pulled down 13 rebounds, stole twice and completed a pair of assists. Smith had nine points, a dozen rebounds and two steals. Sam Ternes added seven points and hauled in seven rebounds. Zayden Linder had two points, two assists and two rebounds. His seventh-grade brother Zander Linder had four points and three rebounds.
In the earlier game, the Clipper seventh graders doubled up on the Blackhawks 36-18. The half time score was 20-7.
Pacing the Clippers with 17 points and 11 rebounds, Garrett Heldberg had a double-double. He also made five steals and one assist.
Also in double figures, Miles Tomaszewski added 14 points. He had three rebounds and three steals.
Luke Heldberg had two points, nine rebounds and one steal. Jack Anderson had two points, four rebounds and two steals. Carsyn Ryg put in a free throw, grabbed four rebounds and made two assists.
Nancy Heldberg and Kate Anderson’s junior high boys return to action on December 20th with a trip to St. Clair.
Braeden Smith on the drive.