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By Skylan Akins, Staff Writer

The Clever Bluejays and Ash Grove Pirates tipped off district play in Clever Middle School Monday night as a water leak has left the High School gym underwater. You would have thought that the middle school is where the Bluejays are used to playing as they had their highest offensive output all season.

The Pirates struck first as Brock Mooneyham and Sam Moreland each hit a three to give Ash Grove a 6-0 lead. The Pirates were phenomenal early on the offensive glass as four offensive boards resulted in second chance points. Clever would take a timeout leading 16-14 and that’s where the game would change. A renewed energy on the defensive side lead to a number of steals and Fastbreak points. Clever would lead 21-17 after one.

The second quarter was the Corbin Allie show as he got the scoring started with a 5-0 run by himself and would hit three 3’s in the second quarter. Tough defense and an offensive explosion by several Bluejays concluded with a deep three by Bryce Gelle at the buzzer and the Bluejays went on a 18-4 run to close out the 30-point quarter and the Bluejays went into the break leading 51-24.

Ash Grove junior Sammy Moreland caught fire in the third quarter hitting a trio of threes himself but was unable to will the Pirates back into the game as Clever senior duo Jake Twigg and Bryce Gelle extended the lead to 80-43 after three. The Bluejays continued to roll as the Bluejays take the opening round game 85-54.

“Tonight, was a complete game. This was something we have been preaching all year and working towards and midway through the first quarter they really turned it on. We were able to get some runouts and took it to another level.” Clever Coach Luke Brosious said following the game.

“I thought we played really well tonight. We played together and it seemed like everyone was hot.” Gelle said. “Coach called that timeout in the first and we started to play better on the defensive side and that led to some fast breaks.” Gelle continued.

Gelle led the way for Clever with 24 points. Jake Twigg added 16. Corbin Allie hit four deep balls for 14. Grant Pellham had 12. Kadeon Broome was a beast down low and got 11 to go. Kendon Pate had four and Cole Langley and Landen Graaf rounded up scoring for the Bluejays with 2. Sammy Moreland was fantastic for Ash Grove as he got four 3’s to go as well as part of his 22. Brock Mooneyham and Jake Thompson each had seven. Brady Nicholson had six. Nate Trammell got five to go. Tyler Vert hit three free throws for his three points. Elijah Morrison and Tanner Willmon both had two to wrap up scoring for the Pirates.

Sam Moreland 6’2 Ash Grove 2022

Sam Moreland was fantastic in the loss as he is an elite offensive presence. He can score on all three levels but excels deep. He hit 4 deep balls including a very impressive James Harden like step back three with a defender in his face. He was also able to get it done in the paint finishing against contact several times tonight. He is a little thin at 6’2 and has room to grow into his frame but he is very scrappy and got it done on the boards on both ends. Moreland’s season comes to an end, but he will be a guy to keep your eye on next season.

Bryce Gelle 6’2 Clever 2021

Bryce is a fantastic offensive player and he proved it again tonight. Although, he proved that he is more than a walking bucket as he truly did fill up the stat sheet. Gelle had 24 points, five rebounds, four assists, three steals and a monster block that halted a brief Pirate run in the third quarter. Gelle has been great for the Bluejays all year and I am excited to see how he responds to the challenge that is the Spokane Owls.

Grant Pellham 6’0 Clever 2022

Pellham has been severely overlooked on this Clever team. Grant is an uber athletic wing that has a non-stop motor. Grant is a fantastic slasher and excels in getting to the rim. He can even occasionally step back and hit a three from time to time. He did a little bit of everything Monday as he got 11 points to go along with four assists, three rebounds and four steals. Grant has a high IQ on the defensive end wreaking havoc in the passing lanes. Grant provides the Bluejays with a wildcard that can be huge for the Bluejays in a potential run.

By Skylan Akins, Staff Writer

The season has gone by quickly, and now it’s time for the post season! Here is our preview of Class 3, District 13 on the boys side.

Class 3 District 13

Teams: Skyline, Butler, Stockton, Windsor, Adrian, Cole Camp, Sherwood

Favorite: Skyline 20-3

Skyline are defending back-to-back district champions. The squad they bring in this year could be their best team they have had. Junior Lawson Beem and Brayden Porter have been fantastic for the tigers once again leading them to a 20-3 record. All three of their losses have come out of class falling to a great Springfield Catholic squad in the second round of the Blue & Gold. They fell to Class 4 Ava the next day in a triple overtime thriller. They have run through the Mid-Lakes Conference with ease as their closest game was a 12-point win at #7 Strafford. They also hold wins over the districts 2 seed Butler 74-55 in January and 3 seed Stockton 70-39. The Tigers are a heavy favorite to win the district and make a deep run into the Class 3 playoffs.

Contender: Butler 14-6

I will be honest; I haven’t watched Butler play yet this year, but the defending district Champions are experienced and ready to knock off the Tigers. Butler brings in seven seniors and five juniors on their roster. The Bulldogs are playing their best ball coming into districts as they are riding an eight-game winning streak including an Archie Tournament win. They also own wins over district opponent Stockton and Sherwood. They open with a rematch against 7th seeded Sherwood.

Dark Horse: Stockton 10-11

I love this Stockton squad. They will have to play underdog this year, but the young Tigers squad have their best basketball ahead of them. That being said Stockton has the talent to play spoiler this year. They have solid senior leadership in DJ Bays and Tate Wheeler and elite underclassman in 6’4 junior guard Layne Colvin and in my opinion one of the best sophomores no one has heard of in 6’4 Jay Baxter. Stockton’s combination of shooting and size makes Stockton a difficult matchup for anyone. They hold wins over Class 2 power Norwood, Buffalo, and Weaubleau. They have also played some very good teams close including two hard fought losses against Mt. Vernon, Strafford, and Lockwood. Stockton is going to be the underdog against Butler and Skyline but don’t be surprised if the Tigers make a run.

Top Players to Watch:

Lawson Beem 5’10 Skyline 2022

Beem is an athletic guard who can score at will. Lawson can also find his teammates just as easily. His 5’10 frame can get lost in the mix with some of the size that Skyline possesses but more than makes up with it with his playmaking ability. With the talent on the Skyline team Lawson won’t always stand out on the box score but he is the spark plug that makes this high-octane offense run. Beem can score on all three levels but is lethal in the mid-range. Beem is one of the best players in a loaded Class 3 and he is set to make a run into the state playoffs.

Jay Baxter 6’4 Stockton 2023

The 6’4 big man is still filling into his frame and could still grow some more. Baxter is skilled in all levels offensively. He dominates the post and can even step out and hit a few 3s Baxter struggled being physical early in the season but has found his game at the right time for the Tigers. Baxter has the potential to be one of the best players in the entire area if he continues to progress and keep the aggression in the post.