The last time the Golden Eagles started a season 3-1 was in the start of the 2004-2005 season.
That season they started 4-1 on their way to a PSAC West title. For their second consecutive home game, Clarion reached the century mark in points by defeating Penn College (3-5) 110-48.
Clarion got off to a quick start as they were able to control the paint, with their first 16 points of the game coming from lay ups.
“We have so many unselfish players on the team and we all pretty much know each others strengths,” said sophomore forward Paul McQueen.
“So we recognized we had mismatches in the paint so it was a point of emphasis,” McQueen said.
The Wildcats of Penn College kept it close for the first nine minutes of the game before the Golden Eagles opened the game wide open.
At the 11 minute mark, Clarion used a 23-2 run, showcased by a two handed reverse dunk by Jamar Harrison, to ignite the home crowd.
The Wildcats would add a last second dunk of their own before the half to make the score 55-27 at the half.
After only scoring three points in the first three minutes of the second half, on a Mike Sherry three pointer, the offense found its groove again.
During the course of the second half, the Golden Eagles would use another huge run, this time a 30-5 run, to put the game well out of reach.
With 12:20 remaining in the half, freshman guard Brandyn Mungo drove the lane finishing off with a one handed dunk.
This seemed to get both the crowd and his teammates wanting some highlight real dunks.
Mungo would add another spectacular dunk, flying high to be on the receiving end of an alley oop from teammate Harrison.
The game almost turned into a dunk contest between Mungo and Harrison.
Trying to match Mungo, Harrison was on the receiving end of his own alley oop, this time from Lloyd Harrison.
To cap of the night, Harrison would add one more two handed dunk.
Clarion had six players in double figures on the night, including Shameel Carty’s first career double- double with 14 points and 18 rebounds.
McQueen led the scoring with a career high 23 points.
“We have great perimeter players so they could not just focus on me or any other post player,” said McQueen.
Junior college transfer Harrison recorded his third 20 point game of the season, while fellow transfer Lloyd Harrison, chipped in with 12 points.
“We are going to need both Jamar and Lloyd to play a lot of minutes for us this season. They need to pace themselves and play smart aggressive defense, the offense will take care of itself,” said Coach Ron Righter.
Junior sharpshooter Mike Sherry continued his hot hand beyond the arc, going 4 for 7 from the three point line, with 16 points. Also, freshman guard Mungo added 13 points.
Clarion was back in action on Monday night against Pitt Johnstown. The Golden Eagles trailed throughout the whole game before the Golden Eagles ended up losing the game 94-79.
“We are still trying to find ourselves. We have a very small team so we need our defense to create some offense,” said Coach Righter.
Carty had another strong performance in the losing effort, putting up 20 points.
Clarion will be back in action this weekend at the Salem Invitational in West Virginia.
They will be playing Friday and on Saturday.