FANTASTIC FINISH: Simko’s Rebound and Turnaround Jumper Lifts Clarion to 54-53 Win Over Cameron County; Karns City’s Brooklynn Taylor Named Lakeview Tourney MVP

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (EYT/D9) — Gabe Simko pulled down a rebound off a missed free throw and hit a turnaround jumper at the buzzer to give the Clarion boys basketball team a stunning 54-53 win over Cameron County at the Carl Truance Tournament at Punxsutawney High School on Thursday evening.

(Pictured above, Karns City’s Brooklynn Taylor and Chloe Fritch)

The Bobcats trailed 53-51 in the closing seconds, but Bryce Brinkley was fouled and stepped to the line. He sank the first to cut the lead to one, but missed the second.

Simko was there to grab it and put it back up for the game-winner.

Devon Lauer led Clarion with 19 points. Dawson Smail added 13 and Simko eight.

Josh Smith scored 20 to pace Cameron County. Landon Farren pitched in 13 and Josh Beek 12.

FRANKLIN 81, KARNS CITY 61

Damon Curry poured in 27 points as the Knights got off to a fast start and cruised to a win.

Taite Beighley scored 18 points and Luke Cramer pitched in 16 for the Gremlins.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Brooklynn Taylor scored 15 points to help Karns City edge Lakeview, 43-40, to win the Lakeview Holiday Tournament.

The Gremlins rolled past Saegertown in the opener on Wednesday, 44-25.

Taylor was named the tournament MVP.

Chloe Fritch made the all-tournament team for Karns City. She scored nine in the win over Lakeview and 12 on Wednesday night.

Naomi Venesky scored 13 against Lakeview.

MONITEAU 59, NORTHGATE 12

Catherine Kelly scored 19 points and Kendall Sankey notched yet another double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds as the Warriors rolled in their holiday tournament opener.

Moniteau stormed out to a 39-5 lead at the half.

KANE 44, KEYSTONE 38

Maya Smith paced the Wolves, scoring 17 points, with Hailey Hillman pitching in 12.

Ashlee Albright was the leading scorer for the Panthers with 12.

HAZELTON 69, REDBANK VALLEY 39

Izzy Bond led the Bulldogs with 11 points in this loss at the Carl Truance Tournament in Punxsutawney.

CLARION 49, CAMERON COUNTY 24

Taylor Alston scored 11 points and Sophie Babington added 10 to lead the Bobcats.

Marley Kline also scored nine points for Clarion, which pulled away in the fourth quarter with a 19-2 run.

Trinity Earle scored 13 to lead Cameron County.

GREENVILLE 55, UNION/A-C VALLEY 27

Kya Wetzel scored 18 points to lead Union/A-C Valley.

Maddy Dehart added nine rebounds.