Little Giants hold off late Bomber barrage
(December 30, 2009) -- Macomb's attempt to win back-to-back titles was derailed nearly before it even began as the Bombers suffered through 25% first-half shooting which allowed Canton to build a 22-9 halftime lead.

The Little Giants, making their first tourney appearance since 2006, stretched the lead to 18 late in the 3rd quarter before holding off a late Bomber charge to win the title 52-42.

That charge started with Zach Grover connecting on three straight treys for Macomb (8-4). Tyler Thorman's 3-pointer with 2:07 left cut the lead to 4, but Macomb would get no closer despite making 6 of 11 shots (54.5%) from beyond the arc in the second half. (more-->)

Illini West a third place winner
(December 30, 2009) -- After a six-year absence from the Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament, the Redbirds of Metamora returned as the fourth seed this year. That is exactly where they finished after they fell in the 3rd place game to the Chargers of Illini West, 43-30.

Metamora (6-7) struggled from the floor as they only made 25.6% of their shots and Illini West (6-4) limited the Redbirds' second chance opportunites by outrebounding them 34-22.

Metamora kept alive a streak of five consecutive tournaments where they ended up earning a trophy. (more-->)

Saukees remain nearly perfect in trophy games
(December 30, 2009) -- If you're have to play Pittsfield in the Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament, make sure it's not in the tourney's final session. Pittsfield improved to 20-1 in trophy-round games with a 47-38 win over Midwest Central to take 5th place.

Pittsfield (12-1) returns to Pike County with their first M-WHT trophy since since a consolation championship in 2004.

Midwest Central (6-4) got 16 more points from Brandon Fisher who finshed with 52 for the tournament. (more-->)

West Hancock repeats as consolation champs
(December 30, 2009) -- Both Western and West Hancock shot a blistering 57.1% from beyond the arc in the 2009 consolation championship game at the Macomb-Western Holiday Basketball Tournament. The problem for Western was the Titans made twice as many (8 of 14) and rolled to a 51-36 win.

It's two consecutive consolation titles for West Hancock (10-2) and it's their third win over Western this season. (more-->)