Members of the Calumet boys basketball team rush to celebrate their game-winning shot from Blake Tarvis that fell with only seconds to spare in a game against Dollar Bay-Tamarack City in the Calumet Gym. (Paula Porter/For the Gazette)

CALUMET — The Calumet Copper Kings boys basketball team returned to their home court Monday evening to face the Dollar Bay-Tamarack City Blue Bolts after defeating West Iron County on the road last Friday, 45-32. Shortly after the final buzzer sounded during a last-second shot from Blake Tarvis was on its way to the basket, the Copper Kings emerged victorious, 37-35.

“It was an intense battle to the end, and we’re glad we came out with the win,” said Calumet’s Gavin Sturos.

The game started out with a fast tempo, and it stayed that way throughout the first quarter, with the Copper Kings leading by a slim margin of 14-13.  

After the start of the second quarter, the Blue Bolts came out in a full court press.  However, with strong play from both teams, the first half ended with the Copper Kings holding on to a 22-16 halftime lead. Both of the teams had some key 3-pointers drop, and both teams were moving the ball around well.

With the start of the third quarter underway, the Copper Kings continued to lead on the scoreboard. The Blue Bolts begin closing the difference with a few long shots hitting, and the intense play was well underway leaning towards atmosphere of a classic “barn burner” showdown hanging in the air.

Once the fourth quarter begin, the game had grown into a full-fledged “barn burner,” as every possession was closing the scoring gap. There were a few free-throws, screens, and smart passes coming from both teams, and battles for loose balls. Dollar Bay scored enough of a run of baskets to tie up the game with just over three minutes remaining, setting the stage for the sizzling intense showdown to follow.

With the clock running out, Calumet’s Trent Halonen was forced to foul a Dollar Bay player as the Blue Bolts held a single-point advantage. This  gave time for Calumet coach Frank Bonacorsi to call a quick timeout.

The last possession had a Dollar Bay player inbounding the ball, that was then deflected by a player, and ultimately landed behind Sturos who was already on Dollar Bay’s side of the floor. Sturos took control of the ball and rushed upcourt dribbling once or twice before throwing a fast chest pass to Tarvis. Tarvis was on the left wing running, when he caught the pass, he almost immediately squared up outside the 3-point arc and shot Calumet’s game-winning basket.  

Leading scorers for Dollar Bay were Will Beaudoin with 11 points and Liam Tourtillot with 18 points. Both players had three 3-pointers included in their totals. 

For the Calumet Copper Kings, the team-leading scorers were seniors Alan Bjorn and Tarvis. Bjorn scored 10 points, and Tarvis added nine points. Sturos knocked down two 3-pointers for a total of six points. Senior Preston Hodges also scored six.

UP NEXT

Calumet returns to action this Thursday competing at Westwood. Dollar Bay was back in action Wednesday night at home against Hancock.