Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
CENTRALIA — The Mt. Vernon Rams overcame a sluggish start and a nearly disastrous finish to beat Glenwood 42-37 in overtime in the opening game of the 81st Centralia Holiday Tournament.
The Rams couldn’t buy a bucket in the first half and trailed 17-7 at the half. The Titans extended their lead to 23-12 in the third, but Mt. Vernon got it going, closing the quarter on a 12-0 run to lead 24-23 after three.
The Rams led by as many as six in the fourth quarter, only to watch Glenwood rally. Gavin Simmons’ 3-pointer with 20 seconds to play pulled the Titans within 34-31. The Rams then broke the press, but Cameron Appenzeller, who is one of the top baseball prospects in the country, showed he can hoop as well. Appenzeller’s chase down block helped set up Mason Neumann’s three with five seconds to go, tying the game at 34.
Following a Mt. Vernon turnover, Appenzeller had a chance to win it, but his off balance runner wouldn’t fall at the buzzer, so it was on to overtime.
The Rams outscored the Titans 8-3 in OT for the win.
Dave Barnes led the way for Mt. Vernon with 18 points. Appenzeller led Glenwood with 10.
Mt. Vernon will face Chicago Dyett in the quarterfinals at 12:45 Friday. Glenwood will meet Miami Southridge in the consolation bracket at 9:00 Friday morning.
