CLYDE — The Merkel boys basketball team has one of the most dynamic 1-2 scoring threats in the area with Kooper Darby and Aiden Jackson.

Tuesday night at Bulldog Gym, Darby had a game-high 32 points while Jackson added 24 more as the Badgers held off a furious rally by the Bulldogs over the final 90 seconds in taking a 68-65 win in the District 6-3A opener for both teams.

The boys showdown came on the heels of the Merkel girls knocking off Clyde 48-30 in the opening game of the doubleheader behind Jaedyn Lee’s 24 points.