MACC GREYHOUNDS WIN HIGHLAND (IL) TOURNAMENT
14 Greyhounds win three games to claim eight-team title
The Moberly Area Community College Men's Basketball Team won the eight-team Highland CC William Baer Tournament in Freeport, Illinois, over the weekend of December 12–13.
Moberly opened the tournament by defeating #7 NJCAA Division II–ranked Macomb (MI) Community College, 79–62, breaking open a close contest late in the first half with a 22–4 run. Freshman guard Caleb Estes led MACC in scoring with 23 points (5–10 from three-point range). Lavonta Ivery added 21 points (9–10 from the free-throw line), while 6'8" post Josh Lowe scored 11 points, blocked seven shots, and grabbed seven rebounds in a dominating performance.
In the semifinals against Moraine Valley (8–3 record), Moberly led 49–29 at halftime and posted a 95–72 victory. The Greyhounds were led in scoring by Ivery with 21 points, while Estes contributed 20 points. Freshman forward Shaunassey Hatchett added 13 points and 12 rebounds, and point guard Jayden Banks chipped in 12 points and dished out nine assists.
In the championship contest against host Highland CC, Moberly surged late in the first half to grab a 36–26 lead and went on to claim the title with an 82–55 victory. Ivery once again led the scoring with 22 points (4–10 from behind the arc). Estes scored 16 points (5–11 from three-point range), while Hatchett added 10 points and seven rebounds.
"Very pleased and proud of what our team accomplished this past semester and in the tournament," said head coach Patrick Smith. "This was our eighth Highland Tourney championship in 10 years, but this was this team's first title. I never forget that, because each team has its own journey, and this squad is on that path.
"I'm very pleased with the tournament championship, as winning three games in two days against good competition defines toughness and consistency. However, I'm especially satisfied with how we ended the semester playing the best basketball we've played all season. Without a doubt, our NJCAA Region 16 is as good as I can remember it being, and we face a very challenging second-semester schedule. Despite our improvement up to this point, there are still many areas where we can seek and find growth, and ultimately that pursuit of the next level will define our season. Myself, our team, and our staff would like to wish all of our Greyhound fans a Merry Christmas and happy holidays."
Moberly currently holds a 14–1 record, a #14 NJCAA national ranking, and a nine-game winning streak. The Greyhounds will return to action on January 3 when they travel to St. Louis Community College.