The Bob and Sharon Burton Christmas Classic boys basketball tournament hosted by Paden City High School hit a few snags in scheduling, but eventually went off with very little delay, with all four games being played in a timely manner this year.

In the first game of the tournament the St. Marys Blue Devils took on the Wood County Christian Wildcats in a close and strategic battle on the floor. In the end, the Wildcats took the win and a spot in the championship game on Monday night.

Paden City faced off with Wetzel County rival, Valley, and put forth their best effort of the season, but taking the loss in the end, 67-48.

The Wildcats held their own in the first period of play, staying close scoring seven points to Valley’s 12. The Lumberjacks came on strong in the second, however, dumping 23 points on the scoreboard and taking the lead at the half, 35-19. The Green and White turned in a good third quarter with 14 points and added 15 in the fourth to finish strong.

Zach Yost was the leading scorer for the home team, scoring 20 points. He also pulled down 20 rebounds, had one steal and two assists; Drew Bidwell scored eight points, had one rebound, one steal and one assist; Geoffrey Bidwell, added seven points, six boards, and one steal; Jamie Billiter, totaled five points and had two rebounds; Taylor Still, matched the number on his jersey with four points, pulled down three rebounds, had two steals and two assists; Trey Leonard also scored four points, had two rebounds, and one assist; and John Bates was credited with one rebound.

On Monday against St. Marys the Wildcats fell to the Blue Devils, 25-71 to take fourth in the tournament.

Geoffrey Bidwell scored eight points to lead the Green. He also had two rebounds and two steals. Yost, seven points, three rebounds, and two steals; Billiter scored three points, had four rebounds, and three steals; Still scored two, had three rebounds, one assist and one steal; Lucas Marques scored two; Drew Bidwell added two points, pulled down four rebounds and was credited with one assist; and Bates added one point.

Wood County Christian wound up with the winners trophy in the tournament after defeating Valley, 84-68 in the championship match. Named to the All-Tournament team were: Seth Tackett, Jacob Ungar and Cody Gutberlet from Wood County; Derrick Renner and K.D. Arnett from St. Marys; Alex Henderson and Clay Ueltschey from Valley; and Zach Yost from Paden City.

Coach Fred King offered his appreciation to the many sponsors of the tournament, saying it would be impossible to hold such a tournament without the support of the businesses and community willing to participate.

A list of sponsors include: Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge 931; The Fort Pizza and Restaurant; PPG; First Federal Bank; Bayer Heritage; Kelvin Feather DDS; Century 21; Sistersville Eye Care Center; Wetzel County Hospital; Paden City Wildcat Boosters; John Myers Pre-Owned Autos; WesBanco; McDonalds; the Paden City Foundation; Creightons; American Legion Post #86; Witschey’s Shop’n Save; Sprouse; Paden City Lions Club; Paden Memorial Gardens; and Wissmach Glass Company.

The Wildcat boys hosted Hundred on Tuesday and will see action on the court again on Dec. 30 for a rematch with the Lumberjacks at Valley. On Jan. 5 the team will head to Cameron to start off the New Year.