This year’s Consolation bracket had an even matchup in the title game between the Brown County Hornets and the Canton Little Giants. Nearly every statistical measure (rebounds, turnovers, points in the paint, and second chance points) were nearly identical between the two teams in this contest. The Hornets shot more efficiently, especially when you consider that both teams made three three-point shots, but Brown County shot five total, compared to Canton’s 17.
The Hornets were led in scoring by a pair of players that scored 11 points each: Jackson McNeff and Michael Kassing. Maverick Henry also dipped into double-digits with 10 points. McNeff and Drew Markert tied for the team-lead in rebounds with six. Matt Boylen pulled down five rebounds as well. Bradley Markert led the Hornets with four assists.
The Little Giants received 12 points from Lakon Otto on 5/7 shooting and his team’s only two blocks. Logan Nichols added 10 points and Colin Johnson included nine points of his own. Johnson had a game-high 11 rebounds and five assists in a solid all-around effort. Canton did have a seven-point scoring run that ended at 1:27 left in the first quarter, but they were never able to gain the lead in this game.
Brown County (10-3) earns their fourth Consolation trophy since 2005 and fifth trophy overall. Tournament veteran Canton (6-8) will unfortunately end their tournament without hardware this time. (Don’t feel too badly for the Little Giants, though. They have an impressive 17 trophies from this tournament in their school’s history).
Box Score
Brown County Info
Canton Info
Chris Derry
December 28, 2024