The first semifinal game of this year’s tournament was a high-scoring affair between the Rockridge Rockets and the Peoria Christian Chargers. The game featured seven lead changes and two ties, but the Rockets emerged victorious by a score of 73-63. Unique to this tournament (especially for as high scoring at this affair was), each team only had five players score. The difference in this one were in two key categories that Rockridge had the upper hand: Points in the paint (26-18) and second chance points (12-6).
The Rockets were led, once again by Landon Bull. The reigning tournament MVP filled the stat sheet with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. All were game-highs. Baylen Leemans (17 points), Caleb Cunico 15 points), and Landon Wheatley (10 points) all finished in double-figures. Cunico dished four assists and Wheatley and Leemans both finished with three assists.
Peoria Christian’s Chargers were led by a pair of 18-point scorers: Trae Brickner and Malachi Persinger. Gavin Walder finished with an impressive 16 points of his own. Josh Walton ended with six rebounds and Persinger had a team-high seven assists. The Chargers had the advantage in fast break points by a count of 16-7.
Rockridge advances to their second consecutive title game in this tournament. The Rockets will attempt to win their sixth MWHT championship since 2013. They will play the winner of the West Hancock/Macomb game, in Game 26 at 8:30pm tonight. Peoria Christian will play in the 3rd place game, Game 25, against the loser of that same game.
Box Score
Rockridge Info
Peoria Christian Info
Chris Derry
December 28, 2024