Pirate boys basketball felled by Aliquippa in Berkey series
By Cort Reynolds
SMITHVILLE – The Bluffton High School boys basketball team lost 60-47 to Aliquippa, Pa. in the fourth edition of the “Battle of the Berkey” series Sunday, February 2, at Smithville’s Wilbur Berkey Fieldhouse.
The two-day, 12-game series started out four years ago as a weekend of contests pitting top western Ohio teams vs. top eastern Ohio squads of similar size and talent.
Now the northeast Ohio event has evolved to include out-of-state schools such as Aliquippa, which is in western Pennsylvania, and Newport, Ky.
Ten of the 12 schools competing were from Ohio. Six games were played Saturday, with six more on Sunday.
The Pirates trailed just 19-15 after a high-scoring first period. After a 12-11 second stanza where Blake Sommers scored seven points, Bluffton inched within 30-27 at halftime.
The Quips captured the third period 18-11 in the third quarter to seize a 48-38 advantage heading to the final quarter.
Aliquippa then won the fourth period, 12-9.
The Pirates fell to 12-6 with the loss. Aliquippa improved to 13-3 after the win.
Pirate guard Marek Donaldson scored a team-high 16 points behind four triples and six baskets. Eleven of his points came in the second half on three treys.
Sommers netted a dozen markers. Terron Boblitt added seven points, five in the first period.
Junior Josh Pratt led the Quips with 27 points. He tallied 10 points in the first period with two treys. He added 10 markers in the third quarter.
Teammate Qa’-lil Goode added 14 points.
Bluffton canned nine two-point goals and seven triples. The Pirates converted eight of 10 free throws (80 percent).
Aliquippa sank 20 two-pointers and drained five trifectas. The Quips converted five of 12 foul shots (42 percent).
Located in western Pennsylvania, Aliquippa is the birthplace of NCAA all-time leading scorer and Hall of Fame legend Pete Maravich. Pete’s father Press was head coach of the Quips when football Hall of Fame tight end Mike Ditka played there.
BLUFFTON ALIQUIPPA |
1 15 19 |
2 12 11 |
3 11 18 |
4 9 12 |
FINAL 47 60 |
Bluffton (2-3 NWC) resumes league play at home vs. Columbus Grove (7-7, 4-1 NWC) Friday, February 7. The Pirates then host Liberty Center (8-9) Saturday, Feb. 8 on Senior Night.
Stories Posted This Week
Thursday, February 13, 2025
- Village meetings announced, Feb. 18-25
- Bluffton K-12 schools cancelled on February 13
- Bluffton Beavers sports roundup, Feb. 5-11
- Bluffton American Legion Post 382 sponsors local students in Buckeye Boys State and Buckeye Girls State programs
- Allen County flu season update
- Applications available for Hancock Youth Leadership Class of 2026
- Feb. 18 Lions program to feature Ryn Farmer
- Going Viral: Health and the quad-demic
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
- Winter Weather Advisory for Wednesday-Thursday
- Pirate boys basketball win vs. Elida
- Pirate girls basketball victory vs. Bath
- Recap of February 2025 Bluffton School Board Meeting
- Bluffton University to host Readers Theatre on Feb. 16
- Student Senate candidates to debate at Forum
- Bluffton University fall 2024 Dean’s List
- Haitian painter spotlighted in fair trade shop
- Cory-Rawson Green & Gold Foundation Fund reaches milestone
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
- Ed Reichenbach was a State Farm insurance agent
- Join C-R superintendent for indoor walks on Wednesdays
- Taking name suggestions for new Bluffton Park through February 23
- Ryan Turner named next Bluffton University head golf coach
- February 14 Chamber breakfast to feature Southgate Lanes
- BHS Academic Team wins 2025 Ada Invitational Quiz Bowl