Host Willard Tigers sweep own Four State Classic tournament for first place

For the past 32 years, Willard has been hosting the Four State Classic and for the third time in the last four years, the Tigers have won it, after beating Harrison, Ark., 82-70 on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Willard led just 23-22 after the first quarter but was able to increase that lead to 44-40 at the half, after out- scoring the Goblins, 21-18 in the second quarter. Harrison came out in the third quarter and shot lights out, outscoring the Tigers 24-18 to take a 64-62 lead into the final quarter of play.
Great defensive play in the final quarter put the game out of reach for Harrison, as Willard outscored the Goblins, 20-6 to win the game, 82-70.
Senior star Daniel Abreu led Willard with 34 points and Maurice Grayer added 31 points in the win.
On Friday, Dec. 6, the Tigers hosted Peoria Quest Charter Academy from Peoria, Ill. Willard coasted out to a 17-6 first quarter lead but the Gators battled back and was able to cut the deficit to 27-19 at the half. The Tigers
outscored Peoria, 15-12 in the third quarter to take a 42-31 lead into the final quarter of play.
The Gators came out shooting in the fourth quarter and cut into the Tigers lead but despite a 25-point quarter from Peoria, Willard was able to almost match them, scoring 19 points of their own for the five point, 61-56 win.
Abreu led Willard with 33 points; Haden Brown added 12 points and Grayer had 10 points in the win.
The Tigers opened up tournament play on Thursday, Dec. 5 with a 63-35 win over Ft. Scott, Kan.
Willard broke out for a 19-6 first quarter lead and never looked back, outscor- ing Ft. Scott 16-6 in the
second quarter to take a 35- 12 halftime lead. The Tigers added another 15 points in the third quarter and 12 points in the fourth quarter for the 28 point victory.
Abreu led Willard with 34 points and Grayer added 14 points in the game.
Willard finished first in the tournament; followed by Peoria    Quest Charter Academy, Harrison and Ft. Scott. Abreu, Grayer, Brown and Elijah Hill were named to the all-tournament team.
Willard is now 4-0 on the season and will head to Ozark tomorrow night to take part in the Ozark Mountain Shootout before going to Springfield on Friday to play against Parkview.