ALTOONA — The season is close to winding down for the Clearfield Bison cagers, and it has been a season of learning, adapting, and understanding. It has been a challenge, but each game the team suits up, and hits the hardwood with the same intensity as if it were the start of the year. Friday night, Clearfield trekked out to Altoona for another Laurel Highlands battle against the Marauders of Bishop Guilfoyle.
At night’s end, Clearfield played hard and strong, but the Marauders were too much, as the Bison fell, 90-61.
Clearfield’s opening quarter was a tight battle against Bishop Guilfoyle, as the two would make a game of it in the first eight minutes. Clearfield was behind by two possessions once the quarter ended, and would not be able to rally enough to make a comeback. The second quarter was much of the same, and heading into halftime it was the Marauders holding the 40-29 lead.
Kurt Ruggery would lead the scoring on the night, bucketing 22 points, while teammates Danny Haigh (20) and Trevor Rehm (16) each hit double figures.
The third quarter was when the Marauders stretched the lead out for good, as they would outscore the Bison 23-12. As the game waned on, Clearfield knew that the game was in hand, and they would substitute in many of the younger players to get some experience on the hardwood. Bishop Guilfoyle followed suit, closing out the game with the underclassmen.
For Clearfield, Braison Patrick led scoring on the team, finishing with 17 points plus five rebounds. Anthony Lopez (12) and Evett Maines (10) also made double figures.
Clearfield (4-16) will close out the regular season with back-to-back home games next week. Monday night, with the final Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference game on the schedule, Clearfield welcomes in Tyrone. The Golden Eagles won the first game back on December 18, 78-49. One night later, the Bison will finish out the year playing host to Curwensville, whom they defeated on December 28, 56-43. Both games will have a jayvee contest prior, with tip off at 6 p.m. Varsity action will follow.
SCORE BY QUARTER
Clearfield 17 12 12 20 – 61
Bishop Guilfoyle 23 17 23 27 – 90
Clearfield – 61
Parker Collins 3 2-2 9, Evett Maines 4 0-0 10, Braison Patrick 5 4-4 17, Anthony Lopex 5 0-1 12, Braylen Way 2 0-0 6, Cooper Broad 1 0-0 2, Kai Lynch 1 0-0 3, Noah Rumfola 0 0-0 0, Carter Kasken 1 0-0 2, O’Brian Owens 0 0-0 0, Landyn Lanager 0 0-0 0, Tanner Kasken 0 0-0 0. TOTALS 22 6-7 61.
Bishop Guilfoyle – 90
Kurt Ruggery 6 0-2 22, Torin Robertson 2 0-1 4, Tyson Rehm 2 0-0 4, Danny Haigh 8 1-2 20, Trevor Rehm 6 3-5 16, Tyson Lestochi 2 0-0 5, Jake Kissell 4 0-0 9, Chase Kissell 0 0-0 0, Nick Foor 0 2-2 2, Hamilton Gates 3 0-0 6, Taureen Cansiglio 1 0-0 2. TOTALS 36 6-10 90.