Highlands 6th Grade Team Perfect After Defeating McClure in Crosstown Championship

Saturday’s sixth-grade Western Springs Recreational League championship game was fast-paced and saw many tie-ups and lead changes, and the McClure (D106) Longhorns repeatedly threatening a major upset.

But n the end, it was the Highlands (D106) Hornets team who emerged with a 13-0 perfect record intact for their season, beating the Longhorns, 35-31.

At half-time, the Hornets were ahead 22-15, but a clutch basket by Junior Christian with 5:20 to go in the third quarter put the Longhorns up 25-24. Two minutes later, Junior Christian made two free throws to put the Longhorns up 27-24.

However, the Hornets were not ready to fold. By the end of the third quarter, they had tied the score at 29.  A clutch shot by Mitch Blackburn put the Hornets up 31-29 shortly into the fourth quarter and Highlands never trailed again.

With 1:19 left in the game, the Hornets still led only 33-31, but with 11 seconds to go Erich Brandt made a basket to seal the game with a final score of 35-31.

 “In this game there were no losers, but there was one clear winner and we congratulate the Highland boys on an undefeated season,” said Longhorns coach Marty Schaefer. “We're very proud of the way all the boys competed.”

“The Longhorns really played hard and gave us a run for our money,” added Tim O’Malley, Hornets coach. “Our kids played relentless defense as they have all season. They gave 150 percent and we couldn’t be more proud.”

Highlands was led by Matthew Brandt (12 points) and Erich Brandt (8 points), who used their height advantage to consistently shoot over the Longhorns defenders.

McClure high scorers were J. P. Remijas (9 points) and Junior Christian (8 points).

The Hornets finished the season at 13-0 including 3 playoff wins.  The Longhorns were 2-8 in the regular season  and 2-1 in the playoffs.