Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
Video courtesy Russell Conwell/River Radio Sports Central student correspondent
ELDORADO – Herrin senior Kyrese Lukens was not about to miss out on a piece of history. Lukens scored 14 of his 19 points in the decisive fourth quarter to lead the Tigers past Carterville 61-50 for their fourth straight Eldorado Holiday Tournament championship, joining Harrisburg (2010-13) as the only schools to 4-peat the EHT.
With Lukens struggling offensively the first three quarters, fellow senior Jared Staple Jr. did much of the heavy lifting for the Tigers. Staple Jr. led all scorers with 21 on the night.
This one was back and forth until Lukens’ personal explosion in the fourth. Carterville led 15-13 after one quarter, took a 28-27 lead into halftime, and extended that to 44-41 heading to the fourth.
Lukens’ two free throws and driving layup came part of a 6-0 Herrin spurt to open the fourth. Then with the Tigers nursing a two-point lead, Lukens buried back to back three-pointers to extend the lead to eight with 3:47 to play.
The Tigers made their free throws down the stretch to seal the deal and set the stage for another championship celebration.
Lukens was named tournament MVP for the second straight year. Staple Jr along with Carterville’s Colton Hawkins and Kadin Wilson were named to the All-Tournament Team.
Herrin improves to 13-1 on the season. The Tigers return to action in the new year, hosting Mt. Vernon January 3. Carterville falls to 7-5. Next up for the Lions will be a trip to Harrisburg to open the new calendar year. The Bulldogs finished third at the EHT.
