UPDATE: Arcadia Valley has clinched a spot in the championship game of the 99th Arcadia Valley Thanksgiving Tournament after a thrilling 58-55 overtime victory against West County on Wednesday night. This marks the first time since 2009 that Arcadia Valley will compete in the tournament finale, and the excitement is palpable among fans.
Senior guard Kaiden Keith was instrumental for Arcadia Valley, scoring 27 points and grabbing nine rebounds. He dominated the overtime period, stepping up when three starters fouled out. Keith’s decisive layup with just 14 seconds left sealed the win, followed by two crucial free throws after a stolen inbounds pass.
The game was a rollercoaster, with West County initially leading by 36-27 entering the fourth quarter. However, Arcadia Valley’s relentless pursuit led to a comeback, highlighted by a critical corner three-pointer from reserve guard Brayton Jarvis that broke a 51-51 tie. West County’s Brody Simily attempted to rally his team, leading with 15 points, but ultimately fell short.
Tempers flared during the match, particularly when a scuffle broke out between players. This heated moment, however, did not detract from the game’s intensity, as both teams fought hard for every point. Arcadia Valley capitalized on key turnovers, shifting the momentum in their favor.
In related news, South Iron also secured a place in the tournament final, edging out Fredericktown 43-39. Casen Chilton led South Iron with 15 points, showcasing their resilient performance despite committing 20 turnovers. This matchup sets the stage for an exciting title game against Arcadia Valley on Thursday night.
In a consolation game, Bismarck defeated Ellington 57-51. Austin Dunlap shone with 21 points, helping his team advance to face Clearwater. Ellington’s Kaven Clark was a standout with 21 points, but it wasn’t enough to secure their first victory.
As anticipation builds for the championship game, fans are urged to stay tuned for further updates and highlights from the tournament. The stakes are high, and both Arcadia Valley and South Iron are prepared to battle for the coveted title.
