Blue & Gold Tournament: No. 2 Willard Wears Down No. 7 Clever, 57–50

By Skylan Akins

For one electric quarter, the No. 7 Clever Blue Jays looked ready to flip the bracket.

Then the No. 2 Willard Tigers leaned into their size, rebounding, and depth—and the game slowly tilted their way.

Willard survived a torrid shooting start from Clever and pulled away late for a 57–50 win in a tightly contested Blue & Gold Tournament matchup that showcased contrasting styles and relentless effort from both sides.

First Quarter: Peebles Ignites Clever

Clever entered the game looking outmatched on paper, giving up size and athleticism across the floor. But Lucas Peebles made sure the Tigers felt the pressure immediately.

Peebles sparked Clever to an early 7–3 lead, drilling shots from deep and attacking confidently. Willard answered, trimming the margin to 11–10 with three minutes left, but Peebles stayed red-hot—knocking down three first-quarter triples and pouring in 12 points in the opening frame.

Thanks to that surge, Clever stunned the Tigers and carried a 19–13 lead after one.

Second Quarter: Willard Responds

The Tigers settled in during the second quarter. A quick 5–0 run cut the deficit to 19–18, but Clever answered with a 5–2 spurt to push the lead back to 24–21.

Momentum swung for good midway through the quarter. Uzziah Huskisson delivered a momentum-shifting and-one to give Willard its first lead of the night, igniting an 8–0 run that pushed the Tigers ahead 29–24 with three minutes remaining.

By halftime, Willard had seized control, taking a 34–29 lead into the locker room.

Third Quarter: Tigers Take the Glass

The third quarter belonged to Willard on the boards.

The Tigers began asserting their size advantage, winning rebounding battles and creating second-chance opportunities that stretched the lead. Willard pushed the margin to nine points at its peak, but Clever refused to fade.

The Blue Jays clawed back within 41–39 with 2:30 left, keeping the game within striking distance. Still, Willard closed the quarter strong to take a 48–39 lead after three.

Fourth Quarter: Too Much Down the Stretch

Clever made one final push.

The Blue Jays cut the deficit to five points with five minutes remaining, forcing Willard to execute under pressure. But every Clever run was answered—whether by a rebound, a finish at the rim, or a timely stop.

In the end, Willard’s size, athleticism, and depth proved decisive. The Tigers controlled the closing minutes and sealed the win at the free-throw line.

Final Score

No. 2 Willard 57, No. 7 Clever 50

The Willard Tigers advance with a physical, tournament-tested win, while the Clever Blue Jays exit with heads held high after pushing one of the tournament favorites deep into the fourth quarter.