The Rockridge Rockets claimed their sixth Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament title in the last 11 years, and second consecutive, taking a 66-59 decision over the West Hancock Titans Saturday night. The Rockets blitzed the Titans with a 26-point first quarter, eventually placing four players in double figures in points.
This was a much-anticipated affair as both squads stampeded their way to the title match, each winning their first three tournament games by an average of well over 20 points. Individually, the key matchup seemed to be between reigning tournament MVP Landon Bull of Rockridge and up-and-coming big man Cooper Knowles of West Hancock. But impressively, both clubs saw other players step up their games to steal much of the spotlight away from the marquee names.
For Rockridge, Wade Richhart led the way in scoring with 17 points and tied Bull for the team lead in rebounds with eight. Caleb Cunico and Baylen Leemans added 14 each as well as combining for seven assists. Meanwhile, The Titans saw sophomore Hunter Froman pop off for 30 points, including 20 in the second half to lead a late comeback effort.
The Titans came out firing, sinking 8-of-14 shots and scoring 19 first quarter points, but they just could not slow down the Rockets attack. Rockridge hit 6-of-11 three point attempts in the opening frame en route to a 26-19 lead after one period. Leemans connected from long distance on consecutive possessions during an 11-4 run to close the quarter after the game was tied at 15-15.
Rockridge turned up the defensive pressure in the second quarter, holding the Titans to 22 percent shooting and just five points. Bull scored six points himself in the quarter, leading the Rockets to a 39-24 halftime lead.
The lead eventually ballooned to 20 points at 46-26 in the third quarter as West Hancock went almost nine minutes spanning the second and third quarter without a field goal. Hunter Froman’s three-pointer with 2:32 left in the third finally ended the drought, and began an amazing heater by the talented wing player. He went on to score 15 points in the fourth quarter before fouling out in the final minute. He accounted for all of his team’s points during a 13-4 run that cut the deficit to 60-49 with 1:35 remaining.
Ultimately, the final margin of seven points was the closest the Titans could get. Landon Bull would go on to repeat as tournament MVP, following a fine all-around performance in the championship game, with 13 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Teammate Caleb Cunico joined him on the all-tournament team, while Cooper Knowles (nine points, eight rebounds) and Froman (30 points, four rebounds) represented West Hancock.
Box Score
Rockridge Info
West Hancock Info
Brian Sullivan
December 28, 2024