Pirates beat EC, will face Red Devils in McDonald’s title game
By Cort Reynolds
BLUFFTON – The tournament host Bluffton High School boys basketball team dispatched Emmanuel Christian 63-44 in the semifinals of their annual McDonald’s Holiday Classic on December 27 at the Sommer Center.
The undefeated Pirates improved to 6-0 with another lopsided win. The Warriors out of Toledo fell to 4-4 after the defeat.
Guard Marek Donaldson tallied 17 points on six baskets, including three triples, to pace the victors. He hit all three of his trifectas in the first half. Bluffton nailed four three’s in the second stanza to pace a 21-point outburst.
Undefeated Arlington (8-0) edged Wayne Trace 48-44 in the first semifinal Friday evening to advance to the title game Saturday at approximately 7:30 p.m.
Wayne Trace (4-3) will play EC in the third-place consolation game Saturday at 6 p.m.
Bluffton led 14-8 after the first period, and stretched the margin to 35-23 at halftime. The Pirates won the second half, 28-21.
Pirate Bean Ginther tallied eight of his 14 points before intermission.
Terron Boblitt contributed 11 markers on three treys. Kain Wright added eight points. Landen Worcester canned six out of six foul shots for his six points.
EC’s Nate Miles led all players with 29 points on 10 deuces and three triples. He tallied 13 of the 15 Warrior points in the second stanza.
Bluffton canned 12 deuces and nailed nine triples. The Pirates converted 12 of 18 free throws (67 percent).
EC connected on 17 two-point goals and splashed three treys, all by Miles. They canned one of three foul shots (33 percent).
BLUFFTON EMMANUEL CHRISTIAN |
1 14 8 |
2 21 15 |
3 15 13 |
4 13 8 |
FINAL 63 44 |
Jase Vermillion led Arlington with 14 points in their four-point win over the Raiders. Calvin Willow added 13 markers.
WT’s Caden Sinn topped all scorers with 19 points on the strength of five triples.
Arlington led 31-18 at halftime, but WT pulled within 34-30 after a 12-3 third period. Both teams scored 14 points in the final stanza.
Red Devil Brady Griggs scored five of his seven points in the fourth period. Trenton Heacock added four of his 11 markers in the final quarter to offset two Sinn treys.
ARLINGTON WAYNE TRACE |
1 13 11 |
2 18 7 |
3 3 12 |
4 14 14 |
FINAL 48 44 |
Stories Posted This Week
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
- Tornado Watch issued for Allen, Hancock, Hardin and Putnam counties at 9:15 p.m. on April 2
- Flood Warning issued for Allen County at 11:03 a.m.
- Pirate tennis loss at Elida
- Pirate softball loses opener to Ada
- Pirate baseball falls to Ada
- Allen County will not test warning sirens on April 2
- March 2025 land transfers in the Bluffton Exempted Village School District
- April 22 crash report shows driver hit N. Dixie home
- Bluffton High School Honor Roll announced for 3rd quarter of 2024-2025
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
- Obituary for Betty C. Mumaugh
- Leo Club supports Bluffton Clean Up
- Wind, rain and potential flooding for April 2
- Grandey to major in education, play basketball at John Carroll
- Pirate tennis blanks Bath
- Pirate baseball sweeps opening twin bill vs. Pandora-Gilboa
- “I Have Not Forsaken the Word of God” reader's theater, April 13
- Easter Cantata performed on April 13 in Pandora
Monday, March 31, 2025
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Saturday, March 29, 2025
- Bluffton Public Library’s April 2025 programs and services
- Joseph “Joe” Ropp Davies worked for University of Findlay
- Hillville Road bridge maintenance on April 1
- Lift access added to Bluffton Senior Center back entrance
- Register for fear of falling workshop
- Florence to explain advanced sports stats at student forum