| West Hancock (8-2) kicked off their attempt to win back-to-back-to-back tournament titles as they held off a relentless Illini Bluffs Tigers (2-9) team by a score of 59-43. Bluffs actually held their own in three of the four quarters, but were unable to overcome a second quarter where they were outscored 13-3. Reigning tournament MVP Drake Hammel got off to a hot start, as he had 19 points at halftime. He would eventually finish with 25. The lead changed four times in this one as both teams came out firing in a contested 19-16 first quarter won by West Hancock. The starters for each team dominated this contest and the benches (one combined point between both teams) were a non-factor. The Titans were led by the previously mentioned Drake Hammel with 25. Other notable scoring was Brady Boyer (nine), Drew Martens (nine), Matthew Sinele (eight), and Colin LeMaire (seven). Drew Martens had a game-high seven rebounds. Hammel and LeMaire both added six boards. The Tigers had a pair of double digit scorers in Tyler Hutchinson (12 points) and Hunter Greenleaf (10 points). Colton Teel and Hutchinson both grabbed five rebounds each. The Titans will play in Game 16 (tomorrow, 9:30pm) against the winner of the Wethersfield and Pittsfield. Bluffs will play the loser of that game in Game 12 (tomorrow, 2:30pm). Box Score West Hancock Info Illini Bluffs Info Chris Derry December 26, 2019 |
