Claremont Wins 1st Championship in School History

Claremont High School won its first Express League championship in the school’s 10-year history Saturday, defeating Bethel Baptist, 67-53, at Bethel Baptist.

Claremont (16-5, 13-1) was led by Derek Evans, who scored 27 points and had 19 rebounds. Tom Patraw--Claremont’s leading scorer, averaging 23 points a game--was double- and triple-teamed and limited to 13 points. But Patraw had 10 assists to go along with 19 rebounds.

Mark Sanger added 15 points for Claremont, including two three-pointers.

The victory over Bethel Baptist (15-6, 12-2) not only is Claremont’s first championship, but marks the school’s first appearance in the playoffs.