2023 Game 3 Recap: Farmington 49, Eureka 39

Farmington uses three double-digit scorers to knock off 2-time defending champion Eureka, 49-39.  In his first MWHT game back from a second-consecutive MVP award, Eureka’s Tyler Heffren had an uncharacteristically poor shooting outing and the Hornets could not claw back.  Farmington advances to the quarterfinals for the seventh year in a row.  Shooting percentage was a liability in this lower-scoring contest, however, as both teams shot under 40%.

The Farmers of Farmington spread the ball around in this contest.  As mentioned previously, three players finished in double figures: Keauntrey Barnes led the way with 17, Landon Crawford had 11, and Jack Gronewold added 10.  Crawford and Barnes also had double-digit rebounds (14 and 12 respectively).    In addition, Crawford also had a game-high six assists.  Farmington secured assists in 13 of their 18 field goals.

Eureka’s Hornets found themselves in unfamiliar territory in this one.  Eureka actually won the 2nd and 4th quarters, but lost the 1st and 3rd frames decisively.  Two-time defending MVP Tyler Heffren, normally an effective and efficient shooter, went cold and could not shake it.  He did finish with a team-high 13 points, but on 5-of-20 shooting and 1-for-4 from the line.  Zeke Mason was second on the team with nine points (on 4-of-5 shooting) and also led the Hornets with seven rebounds.  Eureka won the battle of the paint, 18-16 but were spelled by 16 turnovers.

Farmington (6-4) advances to Game 14 to face the winner of Rockridge and Lewistown.  That game will be held on Friday at 6:30pm.  Eureka falls to the consolation bracket, where they will face the loser of that same Rockridge/Lewistown game.  That contest will be held Friday morning, at 10:30am.

2023 Game 4 Recap: Rockridge 56, Lewistown 30

Before mid-December, Rockridge likely had their sights set on a #1 seed at the Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament.  Then, a string of tough competition saw them limp into the holiday break losing 3 of their last 4 and they were awarded the #3 seed instead.  Because of this, many wondered what kind of team we’d be getting on Day 1 of the tournament.  The Rockets answered the call and rebounded in a big way, knocking off Lewistown by a score of 56-30.

Rockridge’s victory was written by a balanced attack that saw four players score between 10 and 13 points.  Landon Bull led the way with 13 points, six rebounds, and four assists.  All three stats were game-highs.  TJ Wilson and Caleb Cunico both tied with 11 points and Carson Klemme added 10.  Klemme also swiped four steals.  This game was won in the paint, where Rockridge dominated to the tune of 32-12.  Turnovers were also lopsided, with the Rockets forcing 20 Indian turnovers.

Lewistown ran into a Rockridge-sized buzzsaw and they couldn’t recover.  The Indians did outscore Rockridge based on bench points, where they held a 17-9 advantage.  Lewistown was led in scoring by Drake Hamm’s eight.  Three players (Gavin Pace, John Barclay, and Parker Roddis) each finished with five points.  The Indians only shot four free throws, but they most of it, hitting three.

Rockridge (9-3) moves on to the round of 8, where they will face Farmington in Game 14 at 6:30pm on Friday.  Lewistown will face off with Eureka in Game 10, Friday morning at 10:30am.

2023 Game 4 Recap: Rockridge 56, Lewistown 30

Before mid-December, Rockridge likely had their sights set on a #1 seed at the Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament.  Then, a string of tough competition saw them limp into the holiday break losing 3 of their last 4 and they were awarded the #3 seed instead.  Because of this, many wondered what kind of team we’d be getting on Day 1 of the tournament.  The Rockets answered the call and rebounded in a big way, knocking off Lewistown by a score of 56-30.

Rockridge’s victory was written by a balanced attack that saw four players score between 10 and 13 points.  Landon Bull led the way with 13 points, six rebounds, and four assists.  All three stats were game-highs.  TJ Wilson and Caleb Cunico both tied with 11 points and Carson Klemme added 10.  Klemme also swiped four steals.  This game was won in the paint, where Rockridge dominated to the tune of 32-12.  Turnovers were also lopsided, with the Rockets forcing 20 Indian turnovers.

Lewistown ran into a Rockridge-sized buzzsaw and they couldn’t recover.  The Indians did outscore Rockridge based on bench points, where they held a 17-9 advantage.  Lewistown was led in scoring by Drake Hamm’s eight.  Three players (Gavin Pace, John Barclay, and Parker Roddis) each finished with five points.  The Indians only shot four free throws, but they most of it, hitting three.

Rockridge (9-3) moves on to the round of 8, where they will face Farmington in Game 14 at 6:30pm on Friday.  Lewistown will face off with Eureka in Game 10, Friday morning at 10:30am.