In the first semifinal game of the consolation bracket, Brown County’s Hornets defeated the Tigers of Illini Bluffs by a score of 60-31. The Hornets shot the lights out in this contest, hitting 24-of-39 (61.5%) from the floor, including 5-for-11 (45.5%) from beyond the arc. Brown County started fast and furious too…blanking the Tigers in the first quarter 14-0. Bluffs did recover and had competitive final three frames, but was never able to tip the scales back their way by the final buzzer. Illini Bluffs was doomed by 23 turnovers, largely from a blistering 16 steals from Brown County.
Brown County was led in scoring by two players who scored 17 points each (Tate Fullerton and Cole Behymer). Sam Carr also added a double-digit effort, finishing with 10 points. Gabe Blakely added in eight. Fullerton also led his team and the game with six rebounds and five steals. He’s had a very impressive tournament with performances that have stuffed the box score both offensively and defensively.
The Tigers got a solid 11 point and six rebound showing from 6’9″ sophomore Hank Alvey. The future is bright for Illini Bluffs…because in this webmaster’s humble opinion, Alvey is a name to watch for the next two years as a possible All-Tournament Team candidate. Another reason to look to the future, is that this Tigers team will return all of its starters for next season. Freshman guard Devon White finished with seven points and added two steals.
Brown County advances to the consolation championship Game 23 and will meet the winner of Monmouth-Roseville and Abingdon Avon. Bluffs has been eliminated from the Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament.
Box Score
Illini Bluffs Info
Brown County Info
Chris Derry
December 29, 2021
