The SC Cougars saw a 10-point halftime lead disappear as they fell in the opening round of the National Trail Conference Tournament to rival North Clay 57-53 as the Cougars were outscored 19-9 in the fourth quarter. Aidan Dodson finished with 31 for the Cougars and Anthony Buonaura added 10. The Cougars will take on CHBC in elimination game action tomorrow at 5pm.
Also in first round action at the NTC, Altamont opened with a 67-55 win over Neoga, Windsor/Stew-Stras fell to Dieterich 60-49 and St Anthony beat St Elmo/Brownstown 51-45. Tomorrow is the consolation semifinal with Neoga and Windsor/Stew-Stras followed by the championship semifinal of Altamont and Dieterich.
At the Little Illini Conference Tournament it was top-seed Richland County beating Lawrenceville 55-53 and will play Newton who nipped Casey Westfield 59-52. In the consolation semifinals, Robinson won their game over Marshall 76-53 and Mt Carmel beat Paris 59-49.