The News staff reports

NEDERLAND — This was truly Nederland’s own Bulldog Classic.

Hayden Hefner scored 20 points and led Nederland to a 49-44 win over Lufkin on Saturday evening in the tournament’s championship game. Nederland, however, has only won this event twice in its nearly 50-year history; the other time came two years ago.

“We played really good,” Nederland coach Brian English said. “I thought the kids were in trouble early, but it was a great team effort. We played great team defense.”

Nederland (8-1) trailed 16-12 through one quarter before holding the Panthers to six points in the second.

“They came out and executed well,” English said of Lufkin. “We weren’t guarding like we should.”

Jonathan Rayford stepped up his scoring and finished with 14 for the Bulldogs. English said the senior point guard has been scoring with more confidence.

Nederland got to the championship game by beating Vidor 42-32 earlier Saturday. Lufkin edged Little Cypress-Mauriceville 47-45 to advance.

Port Neches-Groves defeated Bridge City 49-35 on Friday before losing to Lufkin 67-47 later that evening. PNG beat Alvin 55-41 Saturday morning.

Titans finish 4-1 at Clear Creek

LEAGUE CITY — Port Arthur Memorial put an impressive cap on a five-game stay at the Carlisle Krueger Classic, Clear Creek’s basketball tournament, on Saturday, beating Clear Springs 50-33 and Clear Creek 68-61 to earn the consolation championship.

Thailan Wesley continued his offensive onslaught throughout the tournament with 26 points against Clear Springs and 18 on Clear Creek. Jamyus Jones had 19 points against Clear Creek.

Memorial (7-3) had to bounce back from a 72-62 loss to Clear Lake on Friday despite Wesley’s 26 points. Jaden Conner had 12 points, Jones added 11 and Tyler Guidry scored 10.

Wesley scored 30 in the Titans’ 56-47 win over Aldine Nimitz on Thursday. That was after he had 16 in a 63-26 win over Tuloso Midway. Jyson Butler had 13 points in that game.

PNG girls finish 2-2 in Evadale

EVADALE — Port Neches-Groves’ girls team won two of four games in the Evadale tournament.

PNG defeated Liberty 46-37 but lost to Evadale 47-38 and Warren 62-53 before defeating Huffman Hargrave 26-15.

Sophomore point guard Maylin Stampley was named to the all-tournament team. She had 20 points against Warren, seven against Evadale and six against Hargrave.

Mollee Priddy led PNG with 11 points against Evadale, and Harlee Barnwell contributed eight points and four rebounds. Barnwell registered 13  points and 11 rebounds against Warren and had 10 points, four rebounds and three steals against Hargrave.