Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
Video courtesy Russell Conwell/River Radio Sports Central student correspondent
ELDORADO — Day one of the 60th Eldorado Holiday Tournament featured eight first round games as well as the first consolation bracket game.
In one opening round game, Kaleb Gore scored 25 as Anna-Jonesboro built a big lead on Hamilton County early and eventually won 70-53.
The Wildcats led by as many as 25 in the first half, only to watch the Foxes use a 20-5 run over the end of the third quarter and start of the fourth quarter to pull within 56-46.
AJ took care of business down the stretch and advances to face top seeded Herrin at 1:45 in the first championship quarterfinal.
The Foxes came back and beat Carrier Mills/Stonefort 75-40 in the consolation bracket.
The Harrisburg Bulldogs also posted a day one win at Eldorado, beating Edwards County 48-35.
Cayden Young led the way for Harrisburg with 16.
The Bulldogs led 30-15 at the half, but the Lions opened the third with an 8-0 run to pull with 30-23. After a timeout, Harrisburg pushed the lead back to double figures and then made enough free throws to finish with the 13-point win.
The Bulldogs will face SIRR Ohio foe Massac County at 3:15 in the second championship quarterfinal Friday. The Lions beat NCOE 54-39 in a consolation bracket game.
Other day one winners included Carterville, Fairfield, Eldorado, and Vienna.
Day 1 scores:
Herrin 85, Carrier Mills/Stonefort 18
Anna-Jonesboro 70, Hamilton Co. 53
Harrisburg 48, Edwards Co. 35
Massac Co. 67, NCOE 62
Carterville 58, Hardin Co. 24
Fairfield 59, West Frankfort 32
Eldorado 57, Carmi-White Co. 56
Vienna 76, Gallatin Co. 34
Hamilton Co. 75, Carrier Mills/Stonefort 40
