AKRON – The Tippecanoe Valley Middle School 7th grade boys basketball team captured the championship of the conference tournament Saturday.

Jake Gearhart had 19 points and 11 rebounds as Valley edged Manchester 36-34 in the title game.

Lucas Walters and Wes Melanson each netted six points and Cameron Parker had five for the champions. Alex Morrison had three rebounds as Valley improved to 11-3.

Valley defeated North Miami 49-15 in a first-round game of the tourney.

Melanson led the way with 16 points and six rebounds for the winners. Morrison had eight points and seven rebounds, while Colton McCane had six points. Gearhart had six points and eight rebounds, while Bryce Madeford had five points and Walters scored four.