CHRISTOPHER — A huge third quarter was the difference as the host Bearcats captured the 45th Annual Christopher Turkey Tournament title by beating Wayne City 75-69.
The Indians used a late flurry in the second quarter to grab a 37-35 halftime lead, but the Bearcats owned the third.
Gabriel Motsinger scored six of game high 26 to start the run. Motsinger followed his go ahead three-pointer with a steal, bucket and foul to give the Bearcats a 41-37 lead. Christopher went on to outscore Wayne City 18-6 in the quarter to carry a 53-43 lead to the fourth.
Wayne City never could get closer than two possessions down the stretch, as the Bearcats held on for the six-point win. Kaiden Taylor led the Indians with 19.
Motsinger was named tournament MVP.
Notes:
Here is the All-Tournament team: Dillon Banach (Waltonville), Travis Dickey (Wayne City), Gannon Dollins (Zeigler-Royalton), Corbin Fitch (Thompsonville), Grant Gordon (Christopher), Taj McKinney (Wayne City), Joe Melton (NCOE), Ty Money (NCOE), Gabriel Motsinger (Christopher), Bryce Pratt (Christopher), and Joe Range (New Athens).
Christopher also won the Cheerleading Award.