Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
CHRISTOPHER — The 50th Christopher Turkey Tournament started with a bang as Webber junior Nathaniel Marlow broke the single game tournament scoring record by pouring in 45 points, but it was not enough, as the Trojans fell to New Athens 81-78 in the tourney opener.
Marlow broke the record set by Sandoval’s Todd Murray back in 1981. Shortly after hitting his sixth 3-pointer for the record breaking points, Marlow fouled out. His teammates still had a chance to tie in the closing seconds, but freshman Bryden Dalby’s shot would not fall.
Isaiah Linkter led the Yellow Jackets with 20 points, with Tommy Dutkanych adding 18.
In game two, the host Bearcats jumped out to an 11-0 lead on Thompsonville and never looked back, cruising to a 56-30 win.
Connor DeWeerdt led the way for Christopher with 14. Trevin Skropka added 12. Mason Marino led the Tigers with 12.
The other two first round games will be Tuesday night with Marissa/Coulterville taking on Patoka/Odin at 6:00 followed by Waltonville and Zeigler-Royalton at 7:30.
Webber will face Thompsonville Wednesday night at 6:00 in a consolation bracket game. Then at 7:30, New Athens will meet Christopher for a spot Saturday night’s championship game.
