On Sunday, the A. B. Combs Bearcats and the Chavies Cardinals took to the floor for the championship game of the 8th grade Perry County Tournament. The game was a repeat of last year's title game in which the Cardinals pulled off the comeback win.

A. B. Combs jumped out to the early 8-0 lead. Chavies finally broke the ice with a couple of minutes remaining in the first period, and ended the frame trailing 10-4.

The Cardinals began to warm up in the second period and quickly tied the score at 14, eventually taking the lead midway through the quarter. The Bearcats got the final run in the period, and regained the lead going into the locker room (21-19).

A. B. Combs came out of the intermission ready to play, soon having their advantage pushed back to the double-digit level. Chavies hit a couple of quick baskets at the end of the period, leaving them with a nine point deficit (38-29) with six minutes to play.

The Bearcat lead began to dissipate in the fourth quarter as they began to get in serious foul trouble. The Cardinals began to get loose in the paint, and with a little over a minute remaining in the game, Chavies had pulled to within a single point.

A. B. Combs turned up the defensive pressure at that point, and began to pick up some key turnovers. Chavies was then forced to put the Bearcats on the free throw line to preserve the win. The Bearcats were able to put together enough free throws to preserve the win (50-44), giving them the title.

A. B. Combs (50)

Nathan Pray 4, Austin Neace 16, Josh Garry 2, Brandon Kilburn 19, Dusty Hughes 5, Austin Roberts 2 and Travis Stacy 2.

Chavies (44)

Ben Watts 2, Devin Everage 2, Dylan Cole 24, Connor Hoskins 11, James Blair 2 and Matt Turner 3.