The Kaminsky Classic proved to be another exciting basketball experience over the weekend.
Joplin won its first two games to find a spot in the tournament championship, while Carl Junction and Webb City met up in the consolation bracket on the final day.
HILLCREST BOYS 52, JOPLIN 48 (CHAMPIONSHIP)
Joplin held a slim margin heading into the fourth quarter before Hillcrest rallied down the stretch for a win in the Kaminsky Classic title game.
The Hornets barely won the turnover battle 14-13 but outscored the Eagles 19-9, while Joplin’s bench outscored Hillcrest’s 16-0.
Brecken Green had 13 points off the bench to lead the Eagles in scoring. Fred Taylor finished with 12 points, while Collis Jones scored 10.
Jones was one rebound shy of a double-double, pulling down nine boards.
Joplin opened the tournament up with a 66-56 win over William Chrisman before knocking off Poplar Bluff 57-52.
CARL JUNCTION 59, WEBB CITY 50
Carl Junction outscored Webb City 26-7 in the fourth quarter to rally from a big deficit on the way to a win over the Cardinals in the consolation bracket on Saturday.
Webb City led by 10 heading into the final stanza before the Bulldogs rallied.
Brody Pant led Carl Junction with 26 points, eight rebounds and five assists to go along with two blocks and two steals on the defensive end.
Deacon Endicott added 11 points and four steals, while Wyatt McAfee had nine points and four rebounds.
Webb City was led in scoring by Holton Keith, who had 19 points to go along with six rebounds and three assists.
Eli Pace had nine points, seven rebounds, two assists and five steals.
Carl Junction opened the Kaminsky Classic with a 78-64 loss to Life Prep before beating Francis Howell 64-46.
Webb City lost to Poplar Bluff in the opening round, 50-48.