Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
Video courtesy Russell Conwell/River Radio Sports Central student correspondent
CHRISTOPHER — The Waltonville Spartans completed a successful opening week for the second year in a row, making it back to back Christopher Turkey Tournament championships with a 57-47 win over the host Bearcats.
The Spartans jumped out to a 19-7 lead after one and never looked back. Christopher cut the deficit to six points in the third quarter, but could get no closer.
Tournament MVP Gage Peterson led Waltonville with 23 points. Kyle Cooper added 18. Carson Hobbs hit six 3-pointers to lead Christopher with 20 points.
Joining Peterson on the All-Tournament Team were teammates Cooper, Jagger Mayville and Witten Devor, Hobbs and Landon Sveda from Christopher, along with Nathaniel Marlow (Webber), Brock Portz (Marissa/Coulterville), Isaiah Linkter (New Athens), Lincoln Roberts (Patoka/Odin), and Tommy Dutkanych (New Athens).
In the other trophy games, Marissa/Coulterville downed New Athens 61-55 in the 3rd place game, Webber pounded Patoka/Odin 66-33 in the 5th place game behind 40 from Marlow, who set the tournament scoring record with 114 points for the three games. Thompsonville beat Zeigler-Royalton 60-47 in the 7th place game.
Prior to the championship game, Christopher recognized former coach Tom Wheeler. Wheeler started the Turkey Tournament back in 1975. The MVPs from the previous 49 tournaments were invited back, with Coach Wheels introducing those who were able to make it. The school then presented Wheeler with a banner highlighting his coaching career.
