The Anson Bearcats walked away with third place at the CMC-Union Holiday Classic Tournament.

The Bearcats defeated Forest Hills 71-61 Dec. 30, lost 62-53 against Monroe High Dec. 29 and won 64-57 against Parkwood High Dec. 26. The games were played at Wingate University.

"Garry McKnight was outstanding [Dec. 26]," coach Matt Sides said in an e-mail. He went 11-19 from the field and finished with 28 points and 16 rebounds.

While Parkwood twice attempted rallies, Anson kept cool and maintained the lead. The Bearcats dominated the boards, finishing with 46 rebounds to Parkwood's 33.

In spite of a great effort against Monroe High, the Bearcats came up short.

"This was really a hard loss for our guys to take because we really felt like we had a chance to make a run at winning the tournament championship," Sides said.

He chalked the loss up to an early run by Monroe, who jumped out to an 18-6 lead on the strength of three shots from outside the arc by Qwadarious Duboise.

Anson had 25 offensive rebounds, forced 21 turnovers while only giving up 12, made 15 free throws to Monroe's seven and made 14 more field goal attempts. But there was the rub.

Anson only made 19 of its 16 shots from the field.

"If you would have told me that before the game, I would have taken it and ran with it," he said. "It is definitely frustrating because we felt like we got good looks at the basket and we also missed some easy ones around the rim too."

In the final game, Jonathan Hough and Gary McKnight combined for as many first half points as Forest Hills. The score was 40-23 at halftime.

McKnight racked up his third double-double.

"I told our guys this was a character game," Sides said.

The Bearcats finished eighth in the tournament last year.

"Of course winning the championship was our goal and we are not satisfied with third, but I believe our guys are starting to see the hard work they have put in during the spring, summer and fall is paying dividends for them," he said. "I hope they keep the bittersweet taste in their mouths heading into our conference season."

Anson will play its first conference game Friday at home against Sun Valley.

"It is Coaches vs. Cancer night and we are trying to raise funds for this organization," he said. This is a joint effort by the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches.

The varsity girls will tip off at 6:30 p.m. and the boys will play at 8 p.m.