Bass Pro Tournament of Champions Day One Recap
- SWMO Basketball
- Jan 15
- 17 min read
By: Skylan Akins/SWMO Sports
#5 Bartlett outlasts #4 Wheeler, 58-50, in TOC opener full of run-outs, rim-rattlers, and late-game chaos
If you like your Tournament of Champions games loud, fast, and played above the rim, the #5 Bartlett Panthers and #4 Wheeler Wildcats delivered exactly that in a 58-50 opening-round battle that swung on second-chance points early and free throws late.
And afterward, Bartlett head coach Dion Real summed up the moment perfectly:
“When we came in 2023 we were nervous. I may have been the worst one like oh my its the Bass Pro. This year I was still a little shakey but we were able to get composed and finish.”
That composure showed, especially when Wheeler made one last hard charge in the final minute.
Game recap
First quarter: Bartlett sets the tone (Bartlett 11, Wheeler 4) Bartlett’s activity on the glass showed up immediately. Axton Perry created extra points with two tip-ins/put-backs, Ethan Gatewood scored on a hook (assist Dylan Jones), and the Panthers’ length disrupted Wheeler’s rhythm. Wheeler’s early scoring came from pure athletic plays — Amare James in the paint and a Jaron Saulsberry steal-to-dunk — but the Wildcats trailed 11-4 after one.
Second quarter: Wheeler’s burst flips it (Wheeler leads 20-19 at half) This is where Wheeler looked like a top-four seed. The Wildcats turned defense into offense and finally found spacing. Kevin Savage III splashed two threes, Saulsberry hit one of his own, and Wheeler briefly controlled tempo. Bartlett answered with steady halfcourt shot-making from Braylon Williams, a turnaround finish from Amaury St. Ann, and a tough bucket from Jones, but Wheeler carried a 20-19 edge into the break.
Third quarter: Bartlett’s knockout stretch (Bartlett 40, Wheeler 26) Bartlett came out of halftime with the cleanest punch of the night. Williams drilled a three, DJ Okoth detonated a dunk (then another in transition), and the Panthers punished live-ball turnovers with layups and run-outs. Gatewood and Perry finished around the rim off rebounds, and Bartlett built a double-digit cushion that felt like control heading into the fourth.
Fourth quarter: Wheeler’s rally… and Bartlett’s closing punch (Final: Bartlett 58, Wheeler 50) Wheeler wasn’t done. Colben Landrew took over the energy of the game — slashing, finishing, and hitting a huge three during the late push — while Saulsberry added an alley-oop dunk to crank up the pressure. The Wildcats got it down to 52-46 late, but Bartlett stayed poised. Williams and Jones knocked down free throws, Bartlett secured key rebounds, and the Panthers never let Wheeler get the tying look.
Players of the Game
DJ Okoth (Bartlett) — 12 pts, 3 reb, 1 ast
Okoth was the ultimate momentum-swinger in this one, and he announced himself with several rim-rattling dunks that changed the feel of the game. The junior forward doesn’t need volume touches to dominate stretches — his impact comes in violent bursts. He runs the floor like a wide receiver, finishes above the rim with authority, and punishes defenses that are even a step late in transition.
Bartlett leaned heavily on that athletic edge during its decisive third-quarter run. Okoth threw down multiple emphatic finishes — including transition slams and a late alley-oop — that not only added points, but deflated Wheeler’s rally attempts and energized the Panthers’ bench. Defensively, his length and bounce showed up around the rim, where he altered shots and cleaned the glass. In a tournament built on momentum and crowd swings, Okoth’s ability to deliver highlight-level plays at critical moments was the separator.
Colben Landrew (Wheeler) — 18 pts, 4 reb
Landrew was the heartbeat of Wheeler’s comeback. He’s a downhill wing who attacks space with real burst and doesn’t shy away from contact. When Wheeler needed a spark, he manufactured it — steals, transition finishes, and a late three that made this a game again. His ability to create “event plays” (the kind that flip the gym’s energy) is what separates him in a TOC environment.
Honorable mentions:
Braylon Williams (Bartlett) — timely scoring and late-game calm at the stripe.
Kevin Savage III (Wheeler) — early threes plus disruptive play that fueled Wheeler’s second-quarter swing.
Box score
Bartlett Panthers (58)
Player | PTS | REB | AST |
Braylon Williams (#1) | 16 | 5 | 1 |
DJ Okoth (#0) | 12 | 3 | 1 |
Dylan Jones (#10) | 10 | 5 | 4 |
Axton Perry (#3) | 7 | 8 | 1 |
Ethan Gatewood (#21) | 7 | 9 | 1 |
Jayden Mitchell (#5) | 4 | 1 | 0 |
Amaury St. Ann (#22) | 2 | 2 | 0 |
Wheeler Wildcats (50)
Player | PTS | REB | AST |
Colben Landrew (#3) | 18 | 4 | 0 |
Jaron Saulsberry (#1) | 11 | 2 | 0 |
Kevin Savage III (#2) | 10 | 3 | 2 |
Amare James (#11) | 6 | 5 | 2 |
Lamarrison Lewis (#0) | 2 | 2 | 4 |
Shamar Madden (#12) | 0 | 2 | 1 |
Final Kicker:
With the dust settled, the bracket is set. Bartlett moves on to the 7:30 PM matchup against the winner of Rogersville–Paul VI, while Wheeler slides to the 4:30 PM game to face the loser of Rogersville–Paul VI, both looking to write the next chapter of their Tournament of Champions run.
#1 Paul VI survives Logan-Rogersville thriller, 64-58, behind late shot-making and clutch free throws
The Bass Pro Tournament of Champions wasted no time delivering drama.
In one of the most electric opening-round games of the event, #1 Paul VI weathered an inspired, fearless effort from Logan-Rogersville to escape with a 64-58 win in a game that featured momentum swings, timely threes, and a closing sequence that felt like a Saturday-night semifinal.
And after the game, Brian Mitchell Jr. put the matchup into perspective when asked about guarding Chase Branham — the No. 44 ranked player in the country and an Indiana commit:
“At the end of the day he's just a human. I only fear God.”
That edge showed up when the possessions got tight.
Game recap
First quarter: Logan-Rogersville comes out swinging (LRH 24, PVI 15)
Logan-Rogersville set the tone early with confidence and spacing. Sutton Shook drilled a pair of threes, Chase Branham attacked off the bounce, and the Wildcats punished Paul VI mistakes with quick-strike offense. A late second-chance finish helped LRH stretch the lead to nine after one, forcing the top seed to play from behind immediately.
Second quarter: Paul VI steadies, trims the margin (LRH 33, PVI 29)
Paul VI began to find its footing behind Jordan Smith Jr. and Mitchell Jr., turning offensive rebounds into points and chipping away possession by possession. Logan-Rogersville continued to answer — especially from the perimeter — but Paul VI’s ability to generate second chances and get to the line kept the game within one or two trips heading into halftime.
Third quarter: Paul VI flips the game (PVI 41, LRH 38)
This was the stretch where Paul VI’s experience showed. Forced turnovers turned into layups, Mitchell Jr. knocked down a huge three, and Smith Jr. lived at the stripe. Logan-Rogersville refused to fade — Branham and Titus Moore kept pressuring the paint — but Paul VI grabbed a slim lead heading to the fourth.
Fourth quarter: pure TOC chaos (Final: PVI 64, LRH 58)
The final eight minutes were everything the Tournament of Champions promises. Logan-Rogersville briefly grabbed the lead behind Branham’s shot-making, including a massive three at the 3:43 mark to go up 58-55, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Paul VI answered like a No. 1 seed.
Mitchell Jr. hit a tough turnaround in the paint to swing momentum back, and with 1:37 left, Dylan Harsanyi delivered the dagger — a second-chance three that put Paul VI ahead for good. From there, Smith Jr. and Lawrence Brown III iced the game at the free-throw line to close the door.
Players of the Game
Jordan Smith Jr. (Paul VI) — 18 pts, 7 reb, 4 ast
Smith Jr. was the stabilizer in a game that tried its best to spiral. When Logan-Rogersville was riding momentum and the crowd was fully engaged, Smith became the adult in the room. He controlled pace without forcing it, consistently put his body between the ball and the rim, and punished defensive mistakes with physical finishes and trips to the free-throw line.
What stands out most is his processing speed. Smith never rushed decisions — whether it was pushing in transition, slowing things down after a run, or making the simple read to keep Paul VI organized. Late in the fourth, when every possession felt magnified, he rebounded through traffic, drew fouls, and converted at the line to close the door. This was a high-level guard performance rooted in poise, strength, and trust in the moment.
Chase Branham (Logan-Rogersville) — 21 pts, 5 reb, 4 ast
Branham looked every bit like a national-level prospect on the TOC stage. He scored at all three levels, handled constant attention, and never shrank from the moment — even when Paul VI ramped up physicality and sent multiple defenders his way.
His shot-making was loud: deep threes off movement, tough pull-ups, and strong finishes through contact. But the most impressive part of Branham’s night was how he carried Logan-Rogersville’s belief. His late three to put LRH ahead in the fourth was a fearless shot taken with complete conviction, and it momentarily flipped the pressure onto the No. 1 seed. Even in defeat, Branham validated his ranking — a confident, skilled creator who thrives when the lights are brightest.
Brian Mitchell Jr. (Paul VI) — 14 pts, 4 reb, 2 ast
Mitchell’s impact went far beyond the box score. Tasked with guarding Branham for long stretches, he accepted the challenge and competed on every possession — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Offensively, he delivered when Paul VI needed answers most, including a massive turnaround jumper in traffic late in the fourth that steadied the Panthers during LRH’s surge.
His postgame quote summed up his mindset, but the tape backed it up. Mitchell never played scared, never backed down, and never lost his edge. This was a tone-setter performance — the kind that shows teammates it’s okay to lean into the fight.
Sutton Shook (Logan-Rogersville) — 14 pts, 4 reb, 2 ast
Shook was the spacer that made everything work for Logan-Rogersville. His ability to knock down shots from deep forced Paul VI to extend its defense, opening driving lanes for Branham and creating second-chance opportunities. He hit timely threes in both halves and showed confidence shooting off movement — a skill that travels at this level.
Box score
Paul VI Panthers (64)
Player | PTS | REB | AST |
Jordan Smith Jr. (#23) | 18 | 7 | 4 |
Brian Mitchell Jr. (#22) | 14 | 4 | 2 |
Lawrence Brown III (#1) | 11 | 3 | 5 |
Dylan Harsanyi (#4) | 9 | 2 | 1 |
Ryan Bahr (#14) | 6 | 5 | 2 |
Matthew Mena (#25) | 4 | 6 | 0 |
Aiden Acquah (#24) | 2 | 2 | 1 |
Logan-Rogersville Wildcats (58)
Player | PTS | REB | AST |
Chase Branham (#3) | 21 | 5 | 4 |
Sutton Shook (#2) | 14 | 4 | 2 |
Marcus Moore (#44) | 9 | 6 | 3 |
Titus Moore (#34) | 8 | 7 | 2 |
Jack Sutherland (#0) | 4 | 3 | 1 |
Final Kicker: With the bracket now taking shape, Paul VI advances to the 7:30 PM winner’s bracket against Bartlett, while Logan-Rogersville drops to the 4:30 PM back-side matchup against Wheeler — and if this opener was any indication, neither path is going to be easy in Springfield.
#2 Principia powers past Kickapoo, 70-55 — and now the real test begins
Kickapoo didn’t blink early. They came out composed, hit shots, and traded punches with #2 Principia for two full quarters.
But once Principia settled into its pressure-and-transition identity, the game tilted — and tilted hard.
Behind a wave of forced turnovers, run-outs, and relentless second-chance finishing, the Principia Panthers pulled away for a 70-55 opening-round win over the Kickapoo Chiefs.
Game recap
1st quarter: track meet energy, Principia lands first big blow (Principia 20, Kickapoo 15)
Kickapoo struck first with Reese Kimrey attacking the rim, Elijah Nabors hitting a three, and Vincent Mhire answering with a stepback triple to keep the Chiefs within striking distance.
But the moment the game turned was Principia’s ability to create “event possessions.” Quentin Coleman got loose in transition for a layup-and-one, then came right back with a fast-break dunk after a steal — the type of sequence that flips a gym. Add in a late second-chance three from Coleman right before the horn, and Principia carried momentum into the second.
2nd quarter: Principia’s pressure starts stacking possessions (Principia 35, Kickapoo 27 at half)
Kickapoo kept punching. Rubidoux splashed a three, Brock Thompson chipped in at the line, and the Chiefs stayed competitive by making shots and getting extra looks.
But Principia’s defensive activity was beginning to show cracks in Kickapoo’s rhythm. Coleman and Gassim Toure jumped passing lanes, turning steals into immediate points. Even when Principia missed, they were first to rebounds — and those extra possessions slowly widened the gap.
3rd quarter: the separation quarter (Principia 55, Kickapoo 40)
This was the game-deciding stretch.
Kickapoo made one push — Rubidoux hit another three, Kimrey drilled two big triples, and the Chiefs briefly felt like they could climb back in.
Principia’s response: more pressure, more paint touches, more points at the rim.
Toure scored in transition, finished through contact, and repeatedly turned broken possessions into points with second-effort plays. Coleman added key rebounds and finishes, and Principia’s size and speed began to overwhelm Kickapoo’s halfcourt execution. By the end of the third, Principia had built a 15-point cushion that felt even larger.
4th quarter: Kickapoo hangs around, Principia closes with depth (Final: Principia 70, Kickapoo 55)
To Kickapoo’s credit, they never stopped competing. They attacked the glass, got to the line, and got production from multiple players late.
But Principia’s depth and size kept producing clean looks — Wyatt Slay and Kingston Money cashed in around the rim, and the Panthers kept answering every time Kickapoo threatened. The closing minutes were steady, mature, and controlled.
Players of the Game
Gassim Toure (Principia) — the engine that broke the game open
Toure was the most impactful player on the floor because he affected every phase. He didn’t just score — he created chaos. He turned steals into layups, ran the floor like a guard, and finished through traffic with strength. What makes him so dangerous in TOC settings is how quickly he flips the court: one deflection becomes a run-out, one rebound becomes a push, and suddenly you’re defending at full sprint.
He also did the “hidden work” that doesn’t show up in highlights — offensive rebounds, timely putbacks, and being the first body to loose balls. Kickapoo had stretches where they actually played well, but Toure erased those stretches with pure activity.
Quentin Coleman (Principia) — two-way tone setter
Coleman’s first-half sequence told you what kind of night it was going to be: steal, finish, then a transition dunk that felt like a message. He plays with an edge and brings a physical, disruptive presence defensively. Offensively, he doesn’t need plays called for him — he generates points by running the lane, crashing the glass, and punishing mistakes.
In a tournament like this, players who don’t require rhythm touches become invaluable. Coleman is that guy. He can swing momentum without taking a single tough shot.
Reese Kimrey (Kickapoo) — the competitor who kept the Chiefs alive
Kimrey showed why Kickapoo is never an easy out. He attacked gaps, hit big threes in the third quarter, and consistently tried to manufacture offense when the game started sliding. His pace and confidence were huge in keeping Kickapoo connected, and even when Principia’s pressure ramped up, he kept hunting answers instead of settling.
Brayden Rubidoux (Kickapoo) — spacing sniper, momentum hitter
Rubidoux’s shooting mattered. Every time Kickapoo needed oxygen, he provided it with a three. He’s the type of specialist who forces defensive respect the moment he crosses halfcourt, and those early makes helped Kickapoo play without fear.
Principia (70)
Player | PTS | REB | AST |
Quentin Coleman (#11) | 24 | 7 | 1 |
Gassim Toure (#21) | 19 | 6 | 2 |
Kingston Money (#0) | 11 | 3 | 2 |
Sekou Cisse (#45) | 6 | 4 | 0 |
Wyatt Slay (#25) | 6 | 6 | 2 |
Ron Henry (#32) | 3 | 1 | 0 |
Team/Other | 1 | — | — |
Kickapoo (55)
Player | PTS | REB | AST |
Brock Thompson (#34) | 9 | 3 | 2 |
Vincent Mhire (#5) | 8 | 2 | 1 |
Reese Kimrey (#2) | 12 | 3 | 2 |
William Winn (#12) | 6 | 3 | 2 |
Brayden Rubidoux (#10) | 6 | 2 | 1 |
Rylee Tan (#3) | 6 | 1 | 2 |
Elijah Nabors (#1) | 5 | 2 | 0 |
Jeydon Suddarth (#32) | 3 | 1 | 0 |
What’s Next
Principia advances: With the win, #2 Principia moves deeper into the bracket and will face the winner of Calvary Christian and St. John Bosco.
Kickapoo drops to the back side: Kickapoo heads to the consolation path, where their shooting and toughness give them a chance to rebound quickly— but they’ll need to clean up live-ball turnovers if they want to make a run.
Final kicker
Principia’s pressure + transition + second-chance finishing eventually turned a competitive first half into a comfortable win — and if the Panthers keep forcing live-ball mistakes like that, they’re going to be a problem for anyone on this side of the bracket, while Kickapoo now shifts into response mode with plenty of offense still left in the tank.
Official box score
#6 Calvary Christian (71)
Player | PTS | FG | 3FG | FT | REB | AST | PF |
Kenneth Francis Jr. | 14 | 5-5 | 2-2 | 2-3 | 3 | 1 | 3 |
Cayden Daughtry | 25 | 6-11 | 2-3 | 11-12 | 4 | 5 | 3 |
Aiden Bolden | 14 | 4-7 | 0-1 | 6-6 | 4 | 1 | 4 |
Chauncey Stewart | 2 | 1-1 | 0-0 | 0-2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
Jacob Zhu | 9 | 2-4 | 1-1 | 4-4 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
Jadus Sorhaindo | 7 | 3-4 | 0-1 | 1-2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
TEAM TOTALS | 71 | 21-32 | 5-8 | 24-29 | 18 | 11 | 16 |
Team notes: Largest lead 21 (33-12). Calvary shot 65.6% from the floor and 82.8% at the line.
#38 St. John Bosco (60)
Player | PTS | FG | 3FG | FT | REB | AST | PF |
Christian Collins | 25 | 8-16 | 2-4 | 7-7 | 7 | 3 | 4 |
Max Ellis | 12 | 4-14 | 4-12 | 0-0 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
Gavin Dean-Moss | 8 | 3-8 | 0-3 | 2-3 | 0 | 4 | 4 |
Tariq Iscandari | 6 | 2-4 | 0-1 | 2-2 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
Howie Wu | 2 | 1-2 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 5 | 1 | 4 |
Leon Shingo | 4 | 1-1 | 1-1 | 1-2 | 2 | 0 | 4T |
Chace Patterson | 3 | 1-1 | 0-0 | 1-2 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
Dominic Perfetti | 0 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Aaron Anderson | 0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
TEAM TOTALS | 60 | 20-47 | 7-22 | 13-16 | 24 | 10 | 24 |
Final kicker
Bosco’s second-half push was real — Christian Collins put together a legit star performance — but Calvary Christian’s opening blitz and Daughtry’s 25-point, 11-of-12 free-throw night gave the Eagles the exact thing you need in this building: a cushion early, and composure late.
For about two quarters, Calvary Christian looked like it had the game on remote control.
Then St. John Bosco did what national programs do: they made it uncomfortable, sped the game up, and started stacking stops into points. But every time the momentum threatened to swing, Calvary answered with either a rim-rattling finish, a timely three, or—when it got tight—cold-blooded free throws.
Game recap (how it happened)
1st quarter: Calvary lands the first haymaker (CCA 21, SJB 5)
Bosco blinked first with an early turnover, and Calvary immediately punished it—Kenneth Francis Jr. hit a transition three and the Eagles never took their foot off the gas.
The story of the quarter was Calvary’s ability to turn defense into instant offense. Chauncey Stewart and Aiden Bolden both threw down transition dunks, Jacob Zhu splashed a triple, and Cayden Daughtry orchestrated the pace with smart reads and quick decisions. Bosco couldn’t get clean rhythm possessions, and Calvary built a 16-point lead before the quarter even hit the halfway point.
2nd quarter: Bosco tries to settle, Calvary keeps building (CCA 37, SJB 21 at half)
Bosco showed signs of life behind Max Ellis (multiple threes) and a few second-chance opportunities, but Calvary never allowed a full run.
The Eagles continued winning the “effort possessions”—jumping passing lanes, cashing in on fast breaks, and making Bosco pay for mistakes. Francis Jr. added another transition finish (a dunk), while Daughtry lived at the stripe during a chippy stretch that included a technical on Bosco. By halftime, Calvary’s lead still sat comfortably in the mid-teens.
3rd quarter: Bosco makes its push, Calvary answers with power (CCA 57, SJB 42)
The third quarter was the swing attempt—Bosco hit a big three, got to the line, and started forcing turnovers. Gavin Dean-Moss attacked downhill for back-to-back layups, and Christian Collins began to assert himself with paint touches and perimeter shot-making.
But Calvary had the loudest response of the night: Bolden caught an alley-oop dunk that felt like a momentum extinguisher. On top of that, Francis Jr. hit a huge three and followed it with a tough finish + free throw to keep the lead from shrinking into single digits.
4th quarter: the chaos arrives… and Calvary wins it at the line (Final: CCA 71, SJB 60)
Bosco made the game real. They forced turnovers early, scored quickly, and Collins went into takeover mode—finishing in the paint, drawing contact, and trimming the margin to the low teens.
Calvary’s response was exactly what experienced TOC teams do: no panic, no hero shots—just execution.
Bolden and Zhu knocked down free throws. Daughtry got a huge late layup. And when Bosco started fouling to extend the game, Calvary converted enough at the stripe to keep the door shut.
Players of the Game
Kenneth Francis Jr. (Calvary Christian) — pace-setter, downhill weapon
Francis Jr. was the tone setter from the opening possessions. He scored in transition, punished Bosco turnovers, and consistently got to the paint with purpose. What makes him valuable in this setting is his two-speed game: he can sprint the floor and finish above the rim, but he can also settle into the halfcourt and generate efficient looks without over-dribbling.
He also delivered the back-breakers—timely threes and a strong finish + free throw that stopped Bosco from building real momentum. In a tournament like this, he’s the kind of guard/wing who can swing a game in 90 seconds.
Aiden Bolden (Calvary Christian) — physical finisher, momentum killer
Bolden’s impact was felt in the loudest moments. His early second-chance finish got Calvary rolling, and his alley-oop dunk in the third quarter was the emotional “nope” moment when Bosco was starting to gain traction.
He plays with force. He finishes through bodies, attacks the glass, and doesn’t shy away from contact. And late, when the game got tighter and free throws mattered, he calmly stepped up and made them. That’s a winning profile: energy early, composure late.
Cayden Daughtry (Calvary Christian) — organizer, clutch closer
Daughtry was Calvary’s connector. While Francis and Bolden provided the fireworks, Daughtry provided the structure—making the right pass, pushing in transition when it was there, and calming things down when it wasn’t.
He also delivered winning plays late: steals, a key bucket, and crucial free throws when Bosco was trying to make the game messy. He didn’t need to dominate touches to dominate impact.
Christian Collins (St. John Bosco) — the reason it got tense
Collins was the best player on the floor during stretches of the second half. He hit threes, finished through contact, and consistently created offense when Bosco needed answers. His ability to score inside and out is what makes him such a high-level prospect—he forces defenders to guard him differently on every possession.
Bosco’s comeback attempt was built on his aggression and physicality, and even in the loss, Collins showed the “traveling skills” that translate game to game.
Honorable mentions:
Max Ellis (SJB) — shot-maker who kept Bosco from getting buried even deeper with timely threes.
Chauncey Stewart (CCA) — transition playmaker and highlight finisher (early dunk) who helped Calvary establish control.
Night Two at the TOC: Four Games, One Long Night in Springfield
Day one set the tone. Night two defines the bracket.
With four games stacked from late afternoon through prime time, Tuesday at the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions brings response games, pressure games, and statement opportunities. Every matchup carries weight — whether it’s staying alive or staying on the winner’s path.
Here’s the full Night Two preview, in order.
4:30 PM — Back-Side Bracket
Wheeler Wildcats vs Logan-Rogersville Wildcats
This is a who-blinks-first game.
Wheeler showed flashes of being dangerous in its opener, especially when the game sped up. Their athletes can flip momentum quickly, and if they turn this into a transition-heavy game, they’re tough to deal with.
Logan-Rogersville, meanwhile, arrives angry but confident after pushing a top seed to the brink. They proved they belong on this floor. Expect them to space the floor, hunt early threes, and play with zero fear.
Key question: Can Wheeler impose physicality — or does Logan-Rogersville control tempo and confidence?
6:00 PM — Back-Side Bracket
Kickapoo Chiefs vs St. John Bosco Braves
This one feels sneaky important.
Kickapoo comes in looking to respond after being overwhelmed by pressure and pace. When the Chiefs are at their best, they share the ball, knock down shots, and stay composed against athletic teams.
St. John Bosco found its rhythm late in the opener and nearly turned the game into a track meet. With confidence growing and talent all over the floor, Bosco will be aggressive early, trying to flip the script and dictate style.
Key question: Who handles frustration better — the disciplined response, or the emotional push?
7:30 PM — Winner’s Bracket Showcase
Bartlett Panthers vs Paul VI Panthers
This is the nightcap before the nightcap.
Bartlett brings athleticism, rim pressure, and confidence. When they’re running, few teams can match their physical tools. They’re not afraid of big moments — and that matters here.
Paul VI brings poise, toughness, and late-game execution. They’re comfortable grinding games into halfcourt battles and trusting their guards when the margin tightens.
Key question: Does Bartlett turn it into chaos — or does Paul VI turn it into chess?
9:00 PM — Winner’s Bracket Heavyweight
Principia Panthers vs Calvary Christian Eagles
If you love pressure defense vs. offensive efficiency, this is your game.
Principia thrives on deflections, run-outs, and relentless energy. They don’t wait for mistakes — they force them.
Calvary Christian is built on control. They finish possessions, punish fouls, and stay poised when games get uncomfortable. They don’t beat themselves.
Key question: Can Calvary keep the game clean — or does Principia drag them into the mud?
Final Thought
Four games. Four different styles. One building that only rewards execution and composure.
By the time the lights shut off after the 9:00 PM game, the bracket won’t just look different — it’ll feel different.
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