South Iron Claims 5th Straight AV Thanksgiving Title, Fredericktown Takes 3rd Place On J98

Logo courtesy of the school

(Ironton) The South Iron Panthers are champions of the Arcadia Valley Thanksgiving Tournament for the fifth straight year. South Iron defeated West County, 62-53, in the championship game Thursday night.

Shots came at a premium in the first quarter, but Sawyer Huff made it 17-7 South Iron just before the buzzer.

The West County defense limited the Panthers to just five second quarter points, however, the Bulldogs struggled to find their offense in the first half. South Iron led 22-14 at the break but Chasten Horton had the highlight of the first half.

West County cut the lead to five points midway through the third quarter but South Iron broke away to a 41-30 lead at the end of three.

West County’s Ty Harlow caught fire in the final frame, scoring 14 of his 20 points. Though, South Iron stayed consistent in their game to pull away for the win.

Burse was the Applebee’s of Farmington Player of the Game with 24 points. His brother, Marquis, contributed 10 points and Sawyer Huff supplied 13 points. South Iron coach Dusty Dinkins said this tournament was a building block for the Panthers.

West County coach Chris Labruyere says there’s a lot to take from this tournament.

South Iron is 3-0 on the year. West County is 2-2.

Fredericktown took the third place trophy, 58-52 over Arcadia Valley. The Blackcats raced to an early eight point lead 12-4 behind two buckets and two assists from Riley Fraire. The Tigers charged back with a 25-10 run that gave them a six point lead. Fredericktown surged ahead to end the third quarter, but with under three minutes to play we had a brand new game…

Andrew Starkey scored 21 points with six assists and Riley Fraire scored 17 with 14 rebounds for Fredericktown. They combined for the bucket that gave Fredericktown a lead they didn’t give up again…

Joaby Sikes says Fraire is one of the keys to Fredericktown’s success…

Aracadia Valley put four players in double figures. They were led by Gage Douglas with 13. Fredericktown comes out of the tourney at 2-1. Arcadia Valley is 1-2.

Bismarck won the consolation final 82-56 over Lesterville.

Full interview with Dusty Dinkins