Five GRC/GRC West Teams Capture Tournament Championships

by Jeremy Benson, GrandRiverConference.com

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St. Joseph Christian, Maysville and Putnam County Boys along with Gallatin and Milan Girls all captured Championships in various basketball tournaments this past week.

Gallatin Lady Bulldogs

The Gallatin Lady Bulldogs won the Gallatin Invitational Tournament for the first time since 2008 when they defeated #2 seed Trenton 45-35 in the Championship game.  Gallatin fell behind 20-11 at the half, but a strong second half propelled them to the title in front of their home crowd.  They were led by Kallie Salmon who matched her career high with 22 points, but 14 of her 22 were in a crucial 4th quarter in which Gallatin outscored Trenton 17-6.  Annabelle Ball also added 14 for the Lady Bulldogs.

Gallatin entered the tournament as the #4 seed.  The defeated #5 seed Gilman City 54-42 and #1 seed Polo 45-37 to earn a berth in the championship game.  Gallatin is now 4-1 and will host Savannah on Friday in their next game.

Photo courtesy of Kimberly Borges via Facebook

Maysville Wolverines

The Maysville Wolverines captured their first Gallatin Invitational Tournament title since 1977 in a 59-52 win over the #2 seed Braymer Bobcats.  Maysville trailed 44-43 after three quarters, but a strong 4th quarter helped secure the victory.  Dillon Willis had seven of his game-high 22 points in the 4th quarter.  Tanner Evans scored15 points and Kayden Gabbard added 11 for Maysville.

The top-seeded Wolverines defeated #8 seed Gilman City 76-44 and #4 seed Trenton 69-43 to advance to the championship game.  Maysville is now 3-0 and will travel to Albany on Tuesday for their next game.

Photo courtesy of Maysville R-1 School District Facebook Page

Milan Lady Cats

The Milan Lady Cats are champions of the Tri-Rivers Classic for the first time since 2020.  They captured the championship with a 47-33 win over #1 seed North Shelby.  Amy Pickering had a career-high 22 points in the championship game.  Marian Dabney added 12 points for the Lady Cats.

Milan was the #3 seed in the tournament and defeated #6 seed Scotland County 61-31 and #7 Clark County 50-36 to earn the shot at the title.  The Lady Cats are now 4-0 and will host Brookfield in their home opener on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Milan Athletic Booster Club Facebook Page

Putnam County Midgets

The Putnam County Midgets are champions of the Tri-Rivers Classic for the 3rd consecutive year.  This year's championship was a 59-54 victory over #1 seed Schuyler County in overtime.  The Midgets had four players in double figures led by Mason Morris's 17 points, which are his most as a Midget.  Owen Ream added 13, Trace Riediger had 12 and Carter Simmons had 11 points.  Riediger also had a double-double in every game earning him tournament MVP honors.

Third-seeded Putnam County defeated #6 Clark County 67-38 and #2 Milan 71-46 to advance to the championship game.  The Midgets are now 4-0 and will host Novinger in their home opener on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Putnam County Athletics Facebook Page

St. Joseph Christian Lions

The St. Joseph Christian Lions captured their first Platte Valley Invitational championship since 2020 when they defeated #4 seed North Nodaway 75-51 at Bearcat Arena.  Nick Orscheln led the Lions with 23 points.  Johnston Stewart added 21 points, and Cy Carlson scored 14.  The Lions were active from the outside during the entire tournament, connecting on 35 three-point field goals in the three games.

St. Joseph Christian entered the tournament as the #2 seed and defeated #6 Union Star 87-10 and #3 Stewartsville-Osborn 75-72 to earn a berth in the championship.  The game against Stewartsville-Osborn was won on a three-pointer by Johnston Stewart at the buzzer in overtime.  The Lions are now 4-0 and will host Bishop LeBlond on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of St. Joseph Christian Athletics Facebook Page