Clark Finishes the Climb, Wins 4A Title

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The NIAA 4A State Title game featured two juggernauts. The Bishop Manogue Miners, coached by Luke Babbitt only lost two games all season. While the Clark Chargers coached by Brent Rothman, didn't lose a game in league play, and had a 22-5 record.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Miners took an early lead thanks to their bigs, [player_tooltip player_id='1953886' first='Connor' last='Sheridan'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1741167' first='Kade' last='Snyder']. Sheridan scored the first points of the game off a perfectly executed lob that he threw down, while Snyder went to work in the paint. By the end of the first quarter, it was 12–6 Miners, and they looked firmly in control.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the second quarter, Clark began to settle in. [player_tooltip player_id='2637173' first='CJ' last='Edwards'] knocked down a jumper and a pair of threes, and [player_tooltip player_id='2418885' first='Devan' last='Christion'] started finding opportunities inside. Still, the Miners maintained their edge and went into halftime up 27–22.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The third quarter featured strong play from both teams' forwards, but the Chargers slowly chipped away at the deficit. By the end of the period, the Miners' lead had been trimmed to one, 41–40, with eight minutes left to play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the final quarter, Clark leaned more heavily on Christion, who helped give the Chargers the lead with around four minutes remaining. Bishop Manogue guard [player_tooltip player_id='2145557' first='Liam' last='Sorensen'] answered with a floater to tie it at 48. Moments later, Edwards drilled a pivotal three with 2:15 on the clock to put Clark ahead 51–48.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Miners called timeout at the two-minute mark. Out of the huddle, they went inside to Snyder, who drew a foul and calmly sank both free throws to make it 51–50 with 1:45 remaining.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2806939' first='Amir' last='Wright'] responded by attacking the rim and converting a layup to extend the lead to 53–50 with 1:10 left. After another timeout from Coach Luke Babbitt with 54 seconds to go, the Miners looked for Snyder in the corner to tie it, but the three-pointer missed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wright returned to the line after being fouled with 32 seconds remaining and split the pair, pushing Clark ahead 54–50. The Miners quickly advanced the ball and found Sorensen in the corner for a three, but he couldn't convert. Snyder grabbed the rebound and was fouled on the put-back attempt, hitting both free throws to make it 54–52.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wright was fouled again and went 1-for-2, stretching the lead to 55–52 with 23 seconds left. Running short on time, the Miners turned to [player_tooltip player_id='2449483' first='Aaron' last='Westphal'] in the corner for a potential game-tying three, but he missed. Edwards secured the rebound and was fouled with eight seconds remaining. He split his free throws, making it 56–52 Clark.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Manogue's [player_tooltip player_id='2449393' first='Eli' last='Benna'] got one last look from beyond the arc but missed. Sheridan secured the rebound and dunked it to make it 56–54, but the final buzzer sounded moments later.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Clark Chargers held on to win the NIAA 4A State Championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2418885"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699bbc27d7e47"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2418885' first='Devan' last='Christion'] used his size and physicality to be a true difference maker in the paint for the Chargers on Saturday. On offense, he established deep position on the block and converted consistently around the rim. He also knocked down his free throws at a high clip and made the defense pay in the second half. On the other end, Christion protected the rim with multiple blocks and controlled the glass. Tracking down key rebounds in traffic. He closed out his high school career on a high note, pouring in 19 points in the championship win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2637173"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699bbc27d7eb7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2637173' first='CJ' last='Edwards']' tough shot-making was crucial to the Chargers' victory over the Miners. He drained contested jumpers and drained four triples, including the go-ahead three with just over two minutes remaining. Edwards also competed on the defensive end, limiting the Manogue guards to few quality looks. He finished with an impressive 18 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2806939"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699bbc27d7f30"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2806939' first='Amir' last='Wright'] used his quickness to make an impact early, contributing four points and a steal in the first half. In the second half, he added six more points by attacking the rim and getting to the free-throw line. His late free throws were much needed, helping the Chargers close the door. Wright capped off a strong season with another poised performance on the biggest stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats - 10 Points </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1741167"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699bbc27d7f89"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1741167' first='Kade' last='Snyder'] did everything he could to keep the Miners within striking distance in the championship against Clark. He displayed polished footwork in the paint and consistently converted difficult finishes through contact. Snyder also facilitated the offense at times, dishing out sharp, on-time passes that led to easy baskets. All in all, he put together a memorable senior season. And finished with a team-high 25 points.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1953886"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699bbc27d7fe3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1953886' first='Connor' last='Sheridan'] delivered a dominant first half for Bishop Manogue. He was finishing above the rim with authority, and one of the game's top highlights came when he stole a pass intended for Christion near midcourt and took it the other way for a slam. Sheridan also crashed the offensive glass to extend possessions and used his wingspan to force multiple turnovers. Although the Miners ultimately fell short, he showcased his skill set all season long and once again stood out in the championship. He has a very bright future ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats - 11 Points </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>The Rest Of The Chargers Championship Roster</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2286675' first='Sir' last='Montgomery'] </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Drake Afe-Passion</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2286677' first='Andrew' last='Yeung']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dwayne Jackson </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jakarlin Roddy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jayden Price </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brian Madison </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kingston Young </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Christian Rosser </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Xylen Marshall-Washington </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Deonbray Ephriam </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2972429' first='Hudson' last='Lander']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dashaun Taylor </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Haus Ryan</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alexander Loyalty </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jazzell Carter </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->