ILION—The Clark Sports Center's sixth grade basketball team finished off a fantastic season with a thrilling victory in the championship game of the annual Ilion Biddy Basketball Tournament Monday night.

The team, which also completed an undefeated season with the victory, won a hard fought decision by a score of 47- 46. Cooperstown led most of the game until part way through the third quarter when St. Patrick's of Oneida took their first lead at 31-30.

After that, the lead changed hands several times. The score was knotted again at 45 all after two clutch free throws on a one and one by Wes Carroll with 40 seconds remaining. The team managed to get a stop at the other end and advanced the ball, but missed off a dribble drive to the basket.

However, sixth man Andy Manes seized the loose ball and stroked a smooth eight-footer for the final Sports Center points with 15 second remaining.

After a foul, St. Pat's top player headed to the line for the potential tying "throws" but misfired on the 2nd.

Cooperstown secured the rebound and ran out the clock. During the ceremony tournament director John Wallace said it was "the most exciting final we have ever played here in this tournament".

Cooperstown head coach Scott Curtis said it was the third time in his 10 years as head coach Cooperstown had won the tournament, and the first time in five years.

All players received individual trophies for their accomplishment. Carroll led the winners with 19 points and Zack Sittler had 15. Cooperstown advanced to the finals with a 68-21victory over Mohawk in the quarterfinals and a 68 -24 victory over host Ilion in the semifinals.

A composit box score for the three tournament games is as follows: Wes Carroll (39 pts); Zack Sittler (39 pts); Gavin Harris (15 pts); Tim Smith (12 pts); Joe Horrigan (6pts); Chris Gentile (18 pts); Frank Petrosky (12 pts); Ben Otis (3pts); Luke Banner (17 pts); Jason Conklin (10 pts); Andy Manes (12 pts).

The biddy basketball awards night is set for April 2 at the Sports Center.