Clark Tourney match-ups set

Bartlett gets the #3 seed

By Steev Riccardo

WORCESTER – The Bartlett Indians were awarded the #3 seed in the large schools bracket of the Clark Tournament, while archrival Shepherd Hill Rams were named the #4 seed, setting up a potential championship game encounter between the two locals if they can both advance.

The 12-5 Indians, who hold the Clark record for most appearances in the large schools finals, will meet the 12-6 Auburn Rockets in their first match, which will be held on Sunday, February 17, at 1 p.m. Auburn defeated the Indians 62-56 earlier this year in Webster.

Bartlett has won the Clark Tournament seven times, last in 2006.  This is their highest seed in recent years and you can bet they are not going to bow out early.

The 12-6 Rams open against a familiar opponent in Quabbin (11-5), who they faced three times last year, including a 48-45 heartbreaking loss in the Clark semi-finals. The two will meet on Monday, February 18, at 6. p.m.

The Rams and the Panthers played each other earlier this year with the Rams coming out on top 46-43 in a typically hard fought battle between the two. Ironically they will meet again in Quabbin tomorrow (February 14) before they square off in Worcester, which makes the pairing even more intriguing.

The Rams, who hold two Clark titles, have not won a title since 1976, but this is their sixth straight large schools appearance. which is the longest current streak. Looking at the bracket, there is a good chance that if they can get past Quabbin, they can make a run at the title.

Local fans will be interested to know that the only way Bartlett and Shepherd Hill could meet would be in a dream championship game scenario, which could be epic.

The Oxford Pirates were awarded the 6^th seed in the small school bracket and will face Maynard in their opening matchup.

The 10-6 Pirates lost a year ago in the opening round to Littleton. They were without all-star guard Donny Freeland, who is healthy and ready to go this season, which makes them one of the teams to watch in the small school bracket. They certainly have the talent to go all the way.

The Pirates last won the Clark Tournament in 2000 and have appeared in the event 40 times.

All three local teams have the talent to go all the way, which should prove to make this year’s Clark Tournament a real dandy.

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