Blackhawks take third at District 13C Tournament

FRENCHTOWN - The Blackhawks put up a great fight at the 13C District Tournament but in the end fell just one basket short of extending their season to the divisional tournament.

The Blackhawks defeated Granite 63-46 in their opening game Feb. 17 before falling to Darby in the semifinal 56-74.

In the consolation bracket the Blackhawks faced Valley Christian Feb. 19. By half time the Boys looked like their season would be ending sooner than later as they trailed 15 points. They clawed their way through the third quarter shaving their debt to 10 point and then outscored Valley 19-6 in the final frame for the 46-43 victory.

Later in the day they faced Granite for a second time in the consolation game. Granite was not going down without a fight. It was anyone's game at the half but the Blackhawks took a sizable lead in the third quarter and held on for a 64-57 victory.

Now the Blackhawks season hinged on the championship game between Darby and Drummond. Darby came out on top 54-46 giving the Blackhawks a chance to challenge Drummond for second place.

In the challenge game Feb. 21, the Blackhawks and Trojans battled right to the end. The Blackhawks came up just one basket short at the final buzzer and their season ended 37-38.

Sean Mercado led the Blackhawks in scoring averaging 12.4 points per game with his best game against Granite in the consolation game where he scored 20 points.

Jason James followed with an average of 10 points per game with his top game being the opener against Granite where he scored 19 points.

Chase Haines led the Blackhawks in the first Granite game with 20 points while Walker McDonald led against Darby with 19 points and Owen Hoag matched Mercado's 20 points in the consolation game.