GREEN COVE SPRINGS - Clay High’s boys basketball team grabbed some early headlines with their double overtime win over Bolles as the 2021 season opened up and the clash between the two schools was pressed to become as good a game as the two schools faced off in the semifinal of the Clay Christmas Tournament on Thurs. Dec. 23.

On December 3, the score was a 67-64 win at Bolles that saw Clay come back with a 13-10 second overtime for the win.

“We just never stopped playing hard in that game,” said Clay coach Jared Moses, after that game. “It showed that we could play against the best teams in the area.”

Fast forward to Thurs., Dec. 23 and the two teams were to clash for third place at the Clay Christmas Tournament. Clay advanced with a win over University Christian (Brandon Peavy 19 Pts) in their opener, but then faced off against unbeaten Class 4A Martin County High (9-0) where the Blue Devils lost 66-46. Martin County eventually won the tournament with a win over Wolfson High.

Against Bolles, the Blue Devils (6-4) pushed to a 20-15 halftme lead en route to a final 39-34 win with a 12-3 first quarter being enough to hold off the Bulldogs. The Clay opening scoring salvo came with slashes from forward J’Den Golding and guard D’Maurion Frazier and a quick 8-2 lead with Brandon Peavy’s jumper and rebound to layup.

In the third place game, Oakleaf drew Martin County in their opener; 67-58 loss, before responding with a 49-34 win over University Christian. The Knights lost to Madison County 46-42 in the third place game.

Against Madison, senior center Keyshaun Riley pulled in a school record 17 rebounds while guard David Compere average 21 points per game. Cameron Coachman registered five blocked shots.

Against University Christian, Compere netted 28 points with Dylan Lewis getting five steals and seven assists.

Against Martin County, Compere scored 26 points with Riley snagging 15 rebounds and Caleb Joyner dished six assists.