SHERBURNE – The Sherburne-Earlville Marauders held their annual kick-off tournament in boys varsity basketball this past weekend to which a Vernon-Verona-Sherill team stole the show, defeating Unadilla Valley 77-63.

The two day tournament which started on Dec. 2, and finished in the evening on Dec. 3, featured four teams: host Sherburne-Earlville, fellow Chenango County team Unadilla Valley, as well as eventual champion VVS and Tully.

The tournament opener between Unadilla Valley and Sherburne-Earlville saw the Storm pull away in the first round for the 64-41 win on Friday.

A slow first period for the Marauders – only 8 points – would allow the Storm to gain a steady gap between host S-E and themselves – leading 17-8 after just one period, and 31-23 at the half. Leading the Storm to the finals was Andrew Jackson who netted a game high 18 points for UV in the first round, while also recording a triple double in the game with 18 points, 10 assists and 13 rebounds.

Following the half, S-E would sink back into their game opening slump as they would only manage 8 points in the third as the effort for the comeback fell flat.

This loss for S-E would drop them to the consolation game where they faced off against Tully for the third place spot. While Unadilla Valley would then advance to the finals to be played Saturday evening against Vernon-Verona-Sherill.

The Storm were faced with a much more formidable opponent in VVS, as a tight 20-17 game in favor of VVS is what ensued following just the first period. However, down just three points entering the second period, UV fell off a cliff in the second, in a quarter that would ultimately cost them the championship win.

“Poor shooting second quarter was a big difference in the game. VVS shot the ball very well from the field and foul line. We could not handle their size inside to control the boards,” said Unadilla Valley head coach Matt Osborne.

UV netted just five points in the second period – all free throws made by Andrew Jackson who finished the game going 5-5. This five point second period allowed the lead to grow for VVS who posted a game high 21 points in the period. With too little too late, UV battled to make the comeback but would fall short to VVS in the championship by a score of 77-63.

Although the team would lose, Jackson once again enjoyed a successful outing for the Storm when he posted a 24 point game – earning him a spot on the All-Tournament Team, as well as teammate Mason Mikalunas.

The consolation game gave way to a Tully squad who pulled ahead due in part to a slow start for S-E and slow third period – once again. Tully would take the third place win at 64-40.

“UV played very well Friday night, but VVS is big and has some good shooters which made them a tough matchup,” said S-E head coach Kevin Vibbard.

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