By Cort Reynolds

ELIDA - The visiting Bluffton High Schoolboys basketball team defeated non-league rival Elida 49-44 on February 11.

The Pirates improved to 13-7 overall as they snapped a three-game losing skid. Elida fell to 11-7 after the loss.

The Pirates led 14-13 after the first period. After an 11-6 second stanza, Bluffton stretched their lead to 25-18 at halftime.

Elida captured the third period 16-11 to pull within 36-34 heading into the final quarter. 

But Bluffton won the fourth period 13-9 to win by five. The Pirates sank all six of their foul shots in the final period, including three by Marek Donaldson.

Blake Sommers led Bluffton with 13 points on five baskets, including two triples. Donaldson added 10 markers. Kain Wright netted eight points. 

Terron Boblitt and Bean Ginther tallied six apiece. Boblitt canned two treys in the first half.

Zori Island led Elida with 14 points. Parker Crim added 11 markers, and Amari Walsh netted 10.

Bluffton canned 14 two-point goals and splashed five triples. The Pirates converted six of six free throws (100 percent).
Elida sank 14 two-pointers and drilled three trifectas. The Bulldogs converted seven of 11 foul shots (64 percent).

The Pirates (2-4 NWC) play at local rival Allen East (10-10, 2-4 NWC) Friday, Feb. 14 in the league finale. 

Bluffton then hosts Maumee Valley Country Day in a makeup game Saturday, Feb. 15 afternoon on Senior Day to finish the regular season.