BLUFFTON — Arlington claimed its second straight McDonald’s Holiday Tournament championship with a 44–31 win over Bluffton on Tuesday at Bluffton University.

Holiday tournaments across the area wrapped up with the annual McDonald’s Tournament, which also featured Wayne Trace defeating Emmanuel Christian 58–15 in the consolation game.

In the championship, Arlington leaned heavily on 6-foot-10 senior Calvin Willow, who opened the scoring with a strong move inside. Bluffton answered behind Kain Wright, who pulled up from deep early in the first quarter as the Pirates briefly closed the gap to 6–5.

Arlington responded with a surge sparked by defense, as Willow recorded a block in the paint and followed it up with a basket on the other end to fuel a 10–0 run. Trenton Heacock added to the momentum by beating his defender and finishing at the rim.

Wright found success again with a pump fake and layup, finishing with 13 points, but Arlington continued to go inside to Willow, who controlled the paint and led all scorers with 25 points.

Bluffton’s Braydon McClure provided a highlight with a buzzer-beater to end the first half, but the Red Devils maintained control throughout the second half to secure the tournament title.

Arlington’s win marked back-to-back championships in the McDonald’s Holiday Tournament.

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