SESSER — The Christopher Bearcats are the top seed at the 40th Annual Sesser-Valier Holiday Tournament. The Bearcats jumped out to a big lead early and cruised to a 70-31 opening round win over Century.

The Bearcats scored the game’s first 10 points before the Centurions could get on the board. Christopher expanded its lead to 26-6 after one and never looked back.

Christopher’s Mason Goins led all scorers with 14 points. Peyton Mazur added 11. Conner Skaggs led Century with 10.

The Bearcats will face Johnston City in the quarterfinals Tuesday at 10:30.

Here are all of the opening round scores at Sesser:
Game 1–(8) Johnston City 54, Sparta 50
Game 2–(1) Christopher 70, Century 31
Game 3–(5) Cobden 45, New Athens 43
Game 4–(4) Goreville 71, Galatia 34
Game 5–(2) Altamont 81, Zeigler-Royalton 33
Game 6–(7) Marissa/Coulterville 81, Waltonville 50
Game 7–(3) Sesser-Valier 68, Thompsonville 26
Game 8–(6) Red Bud 66, Elverado 29