COBDEN — The Johnston City Indians built a 20-point third quarter lead then had to score late to beat Pope County 57-54 and capture the inaugural Appleknocker Holiday Tournament title in Cobden.
The Indians led 31-15 at the half, and extended that lead to 40-20 in third quarter before taking a 51-34 lead to the fourth. After scoring the final basket of the third, the Pirates then scored 20 of the first 22 points scored in the fourth, taking a 54-53 lead on a steal and layup by Masin Presser with :54 to play.
Johnston City junior Nolan Causey immediately stormed in the front court for the go ahead layup plus a foul, but Causey missed the free throw. The Indians added two more free throws later for a 57-54 lead. The Pirates missed three potential game-tying three-pointers in the closing seconds along with a full court heave at the buzzer.
The Indians were led by senior A.J. Butler who scored 21 points and was named tournament MVP. Eli Presser led all scorers with 25 points. Masin Presser added 19.
