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Saufferer’s Clutch Bucket Earns Jackson Third Place Tourney Finish
By Steve Dion

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Jackson senior Sam Saufferer

The third place game in the 2015 Bothell Holiday Classic was a clash between the Shorecrest Scots and Jackson Timberwolves. The Wolves built early momentum in the contest primarilty through the sharp shooting of guard Sam Saufferer. After his first shot fell, a three-ball from beyond the tree point arc, the green light was on for the senior leader. Shorecrest found themselves facing a double digit deficit in the first frame to which Coach Brian Fischer called a timeout and brought in his big gamechanger. Sophomore center Philip Pepple made an instant impact blocking shots with ferocity and throwing down vicious slam dunks. By halftime, the Jackson lead was just four points.

When play resumed, the intensity rose as the feeling that this game would come down to the wire was increasingly evident. Jackson received a strong output by Jordan Brajcich in the third frame scoring 7 points in the quarter. Similarly, Scot guard Dagmawe Menelik continued to bury shots from downtown. Shorecrest eventually tied the game early in the fourth quarter and eventually took the lead for the first time in the contest. Trailing 66-67 with 20 seconds left on the clock, Jackson had one chance to take the lead back and win the game. Everybody in the gym knew Sam Saufferer would put the TWolves fate in his hands. He drove into the key, pump faked to draw contact, and hoisted up a tough shot. Bingo! Shorecrest had a handful of seconds remaining for a final shot, but they were denied by Jackson’s interior defense. In regards to the game winner, Coach Steve Johnson stated, “It wasn’t exactly what we drew up, but at least we had the presence of mind to have the ball with a guy who was hot to get it done.”

The Final Score
Jackson 68, Shorecrest 67.

Top Performers:
Jackson
Sam Saufferer- 30 points
Shorecrest
Philip Pepple- 22 points