Elk Valley brought its Elks into Clairfield for three games of elementary basketball November 27. The historic little gymnasium was nearly filled when the first game of the night tipped off.

The junior varsity Eagles boys team took little time getting points on the board. By halftime, Clairfield led big and had placed 30 points on the board, giving up only six. They continued to play well during the second half as coach Ralph Teague made a strong move to let all his players see playing time. Elk Valley pulled closer late but were never able to overcome Clairfield’s fast start. The Eagles won 40-29. Leading the Eagles in scoring was Brayden Painter with 14. Nate Marlow had 11, Bradley Hicks had eight points, Trinity Reed along with Swayne Ruth and Andrew Hicks all finished with two points each.

The varsity Lady Eagles took the court for the second game but it was all Lady Elks. They used aggressive play, especially on the offensive end of the court, that allowed them to get second and third place chances. The visiting Lady Elks were impressive as they led at the half, 21-2. Clairfield had plenty of good looks but the basket had a lid on it and they scored only two points. Getting the only basket for the home team was Makenzie Lambdin and the Lady Elks were led in scoring by Emilee Morgan with 10.

The final game of the night featured a much anticipated rematch between two basketball teams that featured two very dynamic players. For Clairfield it was Gracin Gerber and for Elk Valley it was Haiden Llewellyn. Elk Valley had a better start than the Eagles that forced the home team into a few mistakes and some bad shots. At the half, the Elks led 19-10. Gerber never found his groove but still finished the game as the Eagles’ leading scorer with 20. Llewellyn led the Elks and everyone in scoring with 27 points. By game’s end, the Elks had won by the final score of 35-29 but they had to withstand one last run by Clairfield that got the crowd fired up. It was too little, too late for the Eagles.

Leading the Eagles was Gracin with 20, Nate Marlow finished with five and Brayden Painter along with Jesse Marlow each finished with two. Llewellyn’s 27 points was impressive and soon fans will be excited to see these two players on the same team at Jellico High School.