Clear Creek’s basketball season got underway versus league foe Union County.
The CCMS Bobcats hosted the Panthers last Thursday while the Lady Cats were on the road. The seventh-grade Bobcats surged to a healthy lead before a Panther comeback. CCMS survived the fourth quarter rally for a 49-45 win.
The eighth-grade Bobcats got off to a rocky start and trailed all game. UCMS was able to extend its lead throughout for the victory, 59-33.
The seventh-grade starting lineup of A.J. Callihan, Andrew Chastain, Silas West, Noah Rice and Slade Smith harassed the Panthers with a full-court press and continued pressure in the half court. Steals and turnovers ensued for layups and transition points as the Bobcats’ lead swelled from 12-5 after a quarter to 30-14 by the half.
Callihan and Chastain accounted for all 18 of Clear Creek’s second quarter points. CCMS went on a 9-2 run to start the third quarter for a 39-16 advantage with 3:07 on the clock.
With only six players on the eighth-grade team, the seventh-grade starters hit the bench for a rest for the impending game.
UCMS went on to outscore CCMS 31-10 over the game’s remaining 10 minutes, which included a 24-point outpouring in the fourth quarter. Clear Creek starters re-entered the game with 4:06 remaining and a 41-28 lead. They still led by 10 with 60 seconds on the clock and denied the Panthers’ comeback bid.
Chastain led CCMS with 19 points, Callihan added 13, West finished with eight, Owen McCollum tallied four, Rice scored three and Smith had two.
The eighth-grade Bobcats’ turnovers in the first half kept them from establishing offensive rhythm. UCMS steals and Bobcat errant passes helped the Panthers roar to a 15-0 lead to begin the game.
Union’s edge in the post led to multiple offensive opportunities while the Bobcats did not enjoy the same luxury after missed shots. UCMS pushed its 17-4 first quarter lead to 29-13 at the half.
The Cats’ offense continued to sputter in the third with only five points. Union looked inside for 10 post points, and its advantage swelled to 44-18.
The teams traded points evenly in the fourth, and Union maintained its 26-point edge.
Six of Bobcat Preston McVey’s 10 points came in the fourth. Remaining CCMS points were scored by Douglas Callihan (seven), Jase McCollum (four), Mason West and Chastain (three) and Peyton Chancey, Chaz Curtis and Kevin Olea (two).
CCMS Lady Cat information was not made available by Tuesday’s press deadline.