by James Tate
Falcons fourth quarter finish
The Falcons took their first lead 40-39 with 1:03 left in the game on a baseline jumper by senior Austin Mitchell. The score entering the last period had the Royals ahead 33-27. The Falcon’s defense was key in the victory and made the Royals have three shot clock violations. Junior guard Peyton Kotter sealed the game with a layup and clutch free throws.
Kotter led the Falcons with 17 points in the game. The Falcons scored 18 points in the fourth quarter after only scoring three points in the third period. Kotter and senior guard Lincoln Church each made three, three-point shots in the game.
Royals strong start
The Royals started the game with hot shooting from senior guard Beau Belnap making three first-quarter three-pointers. Belnap cooled in the second half making one three-point basket and a free throw to end the game with a team-high 13 points.
The Royals’ senior forward Elijah Sowards tough play netted him 13 points and a game-high 18 rebounds. Sowards dominated the boards and his defense in the third quarter led to two offensive charging fouls.
The Royals’ defense was key in the third quarter, but the Falcons used a spirited effort to battle back for the victory.
Falcons season heads in the right direction
The Falcons have opened the season with a 3-1 record with three straight wins. The next opponent for the Falcons is a home game against the Hunter Wolverines on December 13.
The Royals move to 1-3 on the season and face the Bonneville Lakers on December 14.
Outstanding performances
Sowards showed his toughness in the paint with 18 rebounds and making 5 of 7 free throws. Sowards now is averaging 20.2 points and 10 rebounds per game for the Royals.
The Falcons needed all of Kotter’s 17 points in the win and Church finished the game with nine points. Perimeter defense led by senior guard Trace Hansen was solid in the pivotal fourth quarter. Mitchell, junior Chase Mcneill, and senior James Barraza made things tough for the Royals in the paint.
photo courtesy James Tate of Clearfield Falcons Peyton Kotter