Bears outlast Larries in home opener

The Canton Bears boys varsity basketball team topped the St. Lawrence Central Larries by a score of 48-46 Monday night in Canton.

After playing well in Massena in the first game of the season, the Bears did not appear to have the same energy against the Larries. Despite the slow start, Canton held a one-point lead heading into halftime.

Canton came out of the half looking better. With Ashton Cloce leading the charge, the Bears built the lead to seven in the third quarter. As the fourth quarter went on the two teams battled. Slowly St. Lawrence Central cut the lead, making it a two possession game with less than two minutes to go. The game continue a back and forth trend into the final minute.

After the Larries cut the lead to two, Canton coach Troy Lassail took a critical timeout to set up his offense. As the Bears took the floor with confidence, they jogged to their spots. St. Lawrence Central played great defense and countered the play beautifully. A 50/50 pass was thrown in the direction of senior Josh Kennedy. He out-jumped two Larries, came down with the ball, and laid it in, and the crowd erupted. Canton’s scoring was relatively even. Ashton Cloce led with 17, followed by Andy Downs supplying 11, Josh Kennedy netting six, and Caleb Bentley-Hicks and Chris Downs Jr. both chipping in with five points.

Canton will travel to Malone on Wednesday in a critical Central Division matchup.