By Cort Reynolds
BLUFFTON - Host Bluffton ran out to a double-digit halftime lead and cruised to a 55-41 win over Arcadia in non-conference girls basketball action Saturday afternoon.
Bluffton led by four early and stretched the lead to 31-16 at halftime with a 20-9 second quarter. The Lady Redskins edged the Pirate girls 25-24 after intermission, but the outcome was all but decided by then.
The Lady Pirates improved to 8-1 overall behind their eighth consecutive victory. Meanwhile, Arcadia fell to 6-3 with the defeat.
By Cort Reynolds
BLUFFTON - Tournament host Bluffton got off to an early lead and held on to defeat Arlington 54-46 in the finals of its annual McDonald's Holiday Invitational Saturday night.
Senior Luke Denecker led the victors with 23 points in the championship game to win tournament MVP honors. He sank 11 of 12 free throws and two three-point goals to pace the victors.
Senior Jared Piercefield contributed 16 points, while classmate Mason Soper added nine markers.
Four boys' high school basketball teams, four university men's teams and four women's teams play in Bluffton in three tournaments involving 12 different games over a three-day period at the end of December.
McDonald's sponsors the three tournaments. The boys' games are in the Bluffton High School gym. The university games are in the Sommer Center.
Bluffton High School boys' McDonald's Holiday Tournament
BHS gymnasium
Friday, Dec. 27
Continental vs Arlington 6 pm
Bluffton vs CR 7:30 pm
Bluffton Icon learned of the death this morning of Elbert Dubenion, Bluffton College's only student athlete to play football professionally. The Icon will post additonal details as we obtain them.
By Cort Reynolds
CONVOY - Visiting Bluffton rode a 22-9 third quarter outburst to defeat defending state champion Crestview 58-40 in Northwest Conference boys basketball play Friday night.
Bluffton led only 19-18 after a low-scoring first half. But the Pirates outscored the Knights 39-22 after halftime to win going away.
