CLARION, Pa. (D9Sports) — Doing it for his grandpa.

(Hayden Callen with D9Sports.com/EYT Sports Editor Chris Rossetti. Callen was named the KSAC Boys’ Title Game MVP. Photo by Jared Bakaysa of JB Graphics. See more of Bakaysa’s work here)

Clarion-Limestone sophomore Hayden Callen was named the KSAC Boys’ Basketball Championship Game MVP after recording a game-high 18 points in the Lions 57-52 win over Keystone Saturday night at Clarion High School.

And the award couldn’t have come on a more perfect night.

C-L head coach Joe Ferguson told said prior to the game that the Lions were dedicating the game — win or lose — to Jack Callen, the grandfather of Hayden and Ian, a senior, Callen, who passed away suddenly October 19.

“They lost their grandpa here in the last year,” Ferguson said during a pregame interview. “We have dedicated the game tonight, win or lose, to their granddad. They are such a wonderful family. They are all alike. They are about as nice of people as you will ever want to meet.”

Hayden and Ian Callen’s grandmother, Joan Callen, the wife of the late Jack Callen, joins the Lions for a picture with the championship plaque. C-L dedicated the game to Jack Callen, who passed away in October. Photo by Jared Bakaysa

Hayden Callen was emotional after the game about being named the game’s MVP on a night dedicated to his grandfather.

“It’s huge,” Callen said. I’m proud I was able to perform like this for my grandpa. I know he is happy.”

Ferguson said he was happy for his sophomore forward, who scored 12 of his 18 points in the second half.

“It meant a lot,” Ferguson said. “I’m so happy for him because of his grandpa. We miss him as a fan. I know they miss him as there grandpa. I think this will be special, something they will remember their whole lives.”

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