Clemson captures seventh-grade boys 'B' crown

Clemson overcame a sluggish start to defeat Maryland, 41-25, to capture the Amherst Youth Basketball seventh grade boys "B" division championship.

In the first quarter, Maryland's defense was led by Andrew Pierino and Mike Stenig. Mike Torrillo hit a pair of buckets.

Trailing, 5-1, after the first eight minutes, Clemson's offense kicked into gear. Justin Fillmore hit baskets on three consecutive possessions.

A three-pointer from Andrew Weinberg and a strong second quarter by Mike Kuebler (two points, four rebounds, three assists) contributed to a 12-9 Clemson halftime lead. Ben Morina and CJ Westcott (two points each) led the Terrapins.

In the third quarter, Clemson's Jake Shine and Sam Baudanza grabbed a number of rebounds and loose balls to give the Tigers extra offensive attempts.

Hank Ransom scored eight of his nine points in the quarter. Tom Adolph contributed two of his four points during the same span.

Trailing by 12, Maryland went on a run to begin the fourth. Mason Schulefand hit a jumper and Westcott contributed four quick points.

With Maryland pressing, Fillmore hit Cole Florian (four points) with a bounce pass at the free throw line and Florian powered past two defenders to bank in a driving shot. Alex Radice (four points) and Humza Rana contributed points in the quarter.

Westcott and Torrillo led Maryland with eight points apiece. Fillmore (11) and Ransom and Weinberg (nine each) also scored for Clemson.

In their previous playoff game, Westcott hit a layup off an in-bounds pass with 17 seconds left to tie the game and then hit a free throw.

Radice then dribbled to half court and passed to Florian in the corner near the three-point arc. Florian relayed the ball to Fillmore at the free throw line. Weinberg banked a shot off the backboard as time expired, providing Clemson with a 25-24 win.