CLARION — The Karns City girls basketball team hopes to be playing well into March, but it first had some unfinished business to take care of Friday night.

The Gremlins forced 23 turnovers in a 46-31 victory over North Clarion in the Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference title game at Clarion University's Tippin Gymnasium.

It is the third straight conference title for Karns City (21-2), which is now 17-0 against KSAC competition this season.

“The last Karns City team to go undefeated in the KSAC was the 1999-2000 team that won the state title,” said senior forward LeeAnn Gibson. “So, this win was huge for us.”

“I don't care what league you play in,” said KC coach Dave Kerschbaumer. “You go 17-0, that's pretty remarkable.”

In the boys' game, Clarion-Limestone routed Union 64-39.

The Gremlins' pressure wreaked havoc with North Clarion's offense during the entire girls' game. During the first two quarters, the Wolves (20-3) attempted as many shots (14) as turnovers they committed. The Gremlins enjoyed a 26-12 lead at halftime.

“We've been doing that all year, putting pressure on teams,” said Kerschbaumer. “I think their (North Clarion's) bodies wore down and then their minds wore down. They got a bit confused and started to make some mistakes because of it.”

While Karns City is used to playing here, it was the first time the Wolves' players found themselves on the bigger floor and in front of a huge and rowdy crowd.

“I definitely think that made a difference,” said Gibson. “We like to say that this is our second gym.”

“We were very hyped up for this game,” said North Clarion coach Terry Dreihaup. “I think the girls came out a bit nervous and we started out slow.”

North Clarion's senior forward Abbie Schmader and sophomore swing player Tori Obenrader were among District 9's top scorers during the regular season, dropping 19.1 and 16.9 points per game, respectively. Against the Gremlins, Schmader was held to 13 and Obenrader scored just eight points.

The Wolves, who had made just five field goals in the first half, drained six buckets in the third period, but they never did cut their deficit to single digits.

LeeAnn Gibson and Emily Hegedus both scored 15 points to lead Karns City, with Gibson adding 12 rebounds and four blocked shots.

“She is a true leader and has a heart of a champion,” said Kerschbaumer.

Boys Basketball

Clarion-Limestone 64, Union 39

It was an offensive drought that Union coach Jeff Hepler knew his team could not afford.

After playing potent Clarion-Limestone to a 13-all tie in the first quarter, the Golden Knights made just two of their next 23 field goal attempts.

The lull didn't end until late in the third quarter and by that time, the Lions (21-2) held a 42-20 lead.

“You have to make shots in a championship game,” said Hepler. “We missed some shots, then we started to hang our heads. Then we missed some layups.”

The Lions had no such trouble, receiving big baskets from several players. Junior forward Dan Callen, who recently reached 1,000 career points, scored 18 to lead C-L.

Taylor Smith added 17 and Noah Rankin 11.

This victory, however, had a defensive edge to it for Lions' coach Joe Ferguson.

“Julian Laugand did not score for us,” he said. “But I thought he did a heck of a job on Cole Morris.”

Morris averaged over 19 points per game this season in leading the Golden Knights (16-7). He scored 16 Friday, but only four in the first half.

Hepler's team will face the Lions again in the District 9 Class A quarterfinals next week.

“We just have to regroup,” he said. “What else can you do?”

KARNS CITY 46

Alyssa Gibson 1 0-0 3, Abby Wolfe 2 0-0 4, LeeAnn Gibson 7 1-2 15, Emily Hegedus 6 2-3 15, Brooke Moore 0 1-2 1, Mackenzie Craig 3 0-1 6, Livia Andreassi 1 0-0 2, Alyssa Stitt 0 0-0 0, Emily Wolfe 0 0-0 0, Olivia Mourer 0 0-0 0. Totals: 20 4-8 46.

NORTH CLARION 31

Abbie Schmader 6 1-2 13, Cassie Wagner 1 0-0 2, Taylor Gatesman 1 0-1 2, Tori Obenrader 4 0-1 8, Erika Sherman 2 0-0 6, Michaela Higgins 0 0-2 0, Ally Carll 0 0-0 0, Sarah Schettler 0 0-0 0. Totals: 14 1-6 31.

Karns City 15 11 13 7 — 46

North Clarion8 4 12 7 — 31

3-point goals: Karns City 2 (A. Gibson, Hegedus); North Clarion 2 (Sherman 2).

Next: District 9 Class AA playoffs, TBA

UNION 39

Hank Murphy 1 3-6 5, Cole Morris 5 4-5 16, Gavin Hawk 2 2-2 8, Hunter Johnston 1 0-0 2, Lucas Bowser 4 0-1 8, Gavin Guntrum 0 0-2 0, Dana Logue 0 0-1 0, Kolby Montgomery 0 0-0 0, Sutton Varner 0 0-0 0, Trey Miles 0 0-0 0, Jesse George 0 0-0 0, Patrick Varesit 0 0-0 0. Totals: 13 9-17 39.

CLARION-LIMESTONE 64

Noah Rankin 4 3-4 11, Ian Callen 4 0-0 8, Taylor Smith 6 3-4 17, Dan Callen 8 2-3 18, Christian Smith 2 1-2 7, Connor Keth 1 0-0 2, Devin Beers 0 1-2 1, Julian Laugand 0 0-0 0, Bailey Wrhen 0 0-0 0, Anthony Louder 0 0-0 0, Sam Leadbetter 0 0-0 0, Travis Aites 0 0-0 0, Alex Acree 0 0-0 0. Totals: 25 10-15 64.

Union 13 2 11 13 — 39

C-L13 18 14 19 — 64

3-point goals: Union 4 (Morris 2, Hawk 2); Clarion-Limestone 4 (T. Smith 2, C. Smith 2).

Next: Union vs. Clarion-Limestone, District 9 Class A semifinal, TBA