On Dec. 18, the Jefferson County North Chargers went into Valley Falls and knocked off the Dragons 45-33.

Saturday afternoon the Chargers faced the same task, but this time the Valley Falls Tournament Championship was on the line.

Despite trailing at halftime and shooting just 39% from the floor, JCN went 11-for-13 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter to pull out a 50-36 win and claim first place in the eight-team tournament.

Offense was tough to come by for both sides in the first half with the Dragons taking a two-point lead into halftime, 20-18, on eight points by 6’5 senior Zac Allen.   

Out of the break the momentum completely shifted to the Chargers, with seniors Nick Funk and Bryce Noll combining for 13 third quarter points to lead 35-33 heading into the fourth.

In the final quarter the Dragons kept within two with 5:45 left, but the Chargers finished on a 12-0 run to put the game away.

Both teams now take a break next week for the JCN girls invitational, with the Chargers (9-3) returning to action Feb. 2 to host McLouth, and the Dragons (8-4) Feb. 1 hosting Pleasant Ridge.

JCN: Nick Funk – 17, Bryce Noll – 13, Boston Lane – 9, Jake Brickell – 5, Braden Schneider – 3, Elijah Meyer – 3.

Valley Falls: Zac Allen – 14, Marty Gatzemeyer – 8, Ty Gatzemeyer – 6, Dawson Gatzemeyer – 5, Koltyn Maltsbarger – 2, Billy Coleman – 1.

Valley Falls Boys All-Tournament Team

Austin Anderson-Cair Paravel

Tristan Marsh- Cair Paravel

Matt Hochuli - Cornerstone

Nick Funk - JCN

Bryce Noll- JCN

Jaxson Webb-Oskaloosa

Tucker Horak- Rossville

Cole Schumacher- Rossville

Marty Gatzemeyer-Valley Falls

Zac Allen- Valley Falls