SPRING MILLS — A new week and new opportunities awaited as the Clearfield Bison round-ballers got back on the hardwood on Tuesday night. But, after a long run of games inside the Bison Gym, this time the buses got loaded up with equipment and it meant a road trip out east to Spring Mills. What awaited was a Mountain League contest against the Penns Valley Rams, who were ready to avenge an early-season 57-37 loss to the Bison back on January 14.
Fast forward to nearly a month later, and it was the same story, as the Bison led from the opening tip to the final buzzer, taking home a 61-48 victory for their tenth win of the season.
It got started early and often as Clearfield would get things rolling in the first quarter to take a one-possession advantage, 14-11. The second frame was much of the same, this time as the Bison defense held the Rams to only single digits to take a 29-19 lead heading into halftime. What made the biggest impact for Clearfield, as they have done in recent games, was keeping their starting lineup fresh at critical times, and having the bench provide the extra momentum.
This night it was the bench that had the biggest impact as Ryan Gearhart was able to put down 13 points in his time on the floor, plus dole out five assists. Cole Miller also added in 13 points, plus five rebounds and six assists. Karson Rumsky would be the top-scorer for Clearfield on the night, as he would drain 15 points on his six field goals.
The only trouble Clearfield had on the night was trying to keep Zach Braucht from the basket. He alone would account for half of the Penns Valley scoring, finishing with a game-high 30 points on 10 shots from the floor, plus going a perfect 6-for-6 from the foul line. Braucht would be the only Ram to see the charity stripe on the night.
Clearfield continues their run of three games in consecutive nights on Wednesday when they take their 10-5 record on the road for another Mountain League contest. This time it will be against the Eagles of Bald Eagle Area. This game has been postponed twice this season, as it was first to take place on December 21, 2020, but due to state orders at the time the game was not allowed to be played. The second scheduled date, January 27, was postponed due to winter weather.
Tip-off for the varsity contest is slated to be at 7:30 p.m.
SCORE BY QUARTER
Clearfield 14 15 15 17 – 61
Penns Valley 11 8 14 15 – 48
CLEARFIELD – 61
Karson Rumsky 6 0-0 15, Luke Winters 1 0-0 2, Matt Pallo 1 2-2 5, Nick Ryan 0 0-0 0, Cole Miller 4 1-2 13, Ryan Gearhart 4 3-4 13, Jake Lezzer 1 0-0 2, Curvey Purkett 4 1-2 9, Morgan Billotte 0 0-0 0, Isakk Way 1 0-0 2, Andon Greslick 0 0-0 0, Nasheed Thompson 0 0-0 0. TOTALS 22 7-10 61.
PENNS VALLEY – 48
Emel 2 0-0 5, Welshams 0 0-0 0, Butler 0 0-0 0, Long 0 0-0 0, Rabb 1 0-0 3, Culver 0 0-0 0, Crater 1 0-0 2, Braucht 10 6-6 30, Norber 0 0-0 0, Niewinski 2 0-0 4, Keith 0 0-0 0, Brodzing 0 0-0 0, Aston 2 0-0 4. TOTALS 18 6-6 48.