Willard boys basketball team wins Tri-State Classic after falling to Harrison

The Willard High School boys basketball team knew that they had to win by 18 points in order to win the Tri-State Classic, they won by 20 to secure the championship on Dec. 1 in Willard.
“It was a great tournament,” said Willard head coach Jeremy Draessler. “I felt that we got to play three quality teams that do things differently, so this was a great preparation leading up to the Blue and Gold and Parkview this week. It was a great experience right now, to just get better for the future. We lost that first game by 13 points; I feel that if we would have had a full summer with these guys, we probably don’t lose that game. They have responded well. They are starting to slowly listen but we are just getting it done and as long as they give their best attitude and effort we are always going to be successful.”
Willard took on Heritage on Saturday and led 18-10 after the first quarter, both teams scored 11 points each in the second quarter and a low scoring third quarter meant that Willard entered the fourth quarter with a slim, 38-25 lead. The Tigers broke out for 19 points in the fourth to win the game, 57-37.
Daniel Abreu led Willard with 30 points, the third time in four games, that he has scored 30 or more points. Abreu is now averaging 28.75 points per game. Maurice Grayer chipped in 10 points in the win.
The Willard squad defeated the Tigers of Ft. Scott, 62-40 on Nov. 30. Willard led 18-10 after the first quarter and 38-14 at the half. It was a closer second half as Ft. Scott outscored Willard, 26-24, but Willard prevailed by 22 points.
Abreu led Willard with 21 points, Grayer added 20 points in the win.    
Willard opened the tournament against Harrison on Nov. 29, but lost to the Goblins, 65-52.
Both teams ended the first quarter tied at 14-14. Harrison outscored Willard 15-14 in the second quarter to take a 29-28 lead into the half. Both teams scored 12 points in the third quarter, as Harrison took a 41-40 lead into the fourth quarter. The Goblins scored 24 points in the fourth quarter, while holding Willard to just 12 points to win the game, 65-52.
Abreu led Willard with 30 points. Abreu and Grayer were both named to the all-tournament team.

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Lawrence County Record

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