The Beaver Area Boys Basketball Team has officially made Beaver Area basketball history. For the first time in the last 50 years, the Bobcats have clinched the playoffs three years in a row.

But it’s not all good news . . . January 14 the Bobcats suffered a tough section loss to Avonworth. The Bobcats fell just short, losing 57-53 to the Antelopes. The Bobcats held the lead at the half but were overpowered by Avonworth’s Rowan Carmichael’s 44 points.

Senior Brady Mayo led the Bobcats with 19 points, and junior Junior Marino chipped in with 16 points.

January 20, the Bobcats bounced back with a 93-55 blowout victory over non-section opponent Sto-Rox. Mayo led the Bobcats with 35 points with senior Nick Krzeczowski putting up 19 points followed by Marino with 17 points in the home-court match-up.

Still at home January 24, the Bobcats picked up a massive section rivalry win over Central Valley. The Bobcats dropped their first matchup against the Warriors back in December, but have sought revenge ever since.

The Bobcats controlled the game for most of the first three quarters, even leading by as much as 21 points in the third quarter. But the Warriors stormed back led by senior guard Isaiah Jeter taking two point lead late in the fourth quarter.

In the end due to some clutch shots by guard Mayo, the Bobcats pulled out a 59-55 victory. Mayo led the Bobcats with 29 points.

Tuesday night the Bobcats picked up another big section win on the road against a hungry Hopewell team. The game was close at halftime but the Bobcats pulled away in the end with a solid 70-57 victory.

With little rest, Wednesday night the Bobcats picked up a non-section victory over the two-time class 4A defending state champions Lincoln Park. The Leopards moved up to class 5A for this season but haven’t had the same success this season as recent seasons due to the loss of some key players. The game was tied at halftime but the Bobcats pulled away in the end, winning 60-49 led by Mayo’s 37 points.

The Bobcats still have some big section games ahead. The Bobcats have already clinched a playoff berth but due to Quaker Valley upsetting Avonworth, if the Bobcats win their next three games they will be section champions and be given a first round bye in the playoffs.

Check the next ECHO for end-of-season highlights.