OBSERVER Staff Report
CLARENCE - Despite an inspired defensive performance, the Fredonia Hillbillies (5-3, 2-1) fell in overtime, 55-45, to Clarence in the championship game of the Clarance Holiday Tournament on Friday.
Fredonia actually held Clarence scoreless in the third quarter after falling behind 30-21 in the first half.
"We came out in the second half and dug in and played great defense on every possession," Fredonia coach Greg Lauer said.
Dylan Meyer led the Hillbillies with 12 points while John Fletcher and John Piper were also in double figures with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Fredonia led by two points entering the final stanza, but five missed free throws were enough to send the game to overtime.
"The guys worked extremely hard," Lauer added. "We felt like we were in good shape until the fourth quarter. Then we just came up short in overtime."
Clarence outscored Fredonia 12-2 in overtime.
Ryan Funk scored 18 points in the win en route to tournament MVP honors. Bobby Florio added 12 while Brian Jost scored 11 and was named to the all-tournament team.
Joining Funk and Jost on the all-tournament team were Meyer and Piper.
