Boone Grove captures South County title

HEBRON | The last time anyone from Boone Grove touched the Porter County Conference Keg, the Wolves were handing it off to Washington Twp. after a painful loss in last season's PCC Tournament.

So it was a sweet moment for the Wolves on Tuesday night, when Morgan Twp. was forced to give it back after Boone's 63-50 victory in the championship of the 73rd annual South County Tournament.

"It's been a while since we've had it, and it's amazing to get it back," said Boone senior Ryan Reynolds, who had a game-high 20 points and seven rebounds.

Reynolds, a 6-foot-6 center, worked inside against the shorter Cherokees for eight points in the first quarter and 10 in the third.

"With our size, not many teams are going to be bigger than us," Reynolds said. "Especially a team like Morgan. But it's hard to match up with them because they're so quick."

Boone (5-2) jumped out to a 17-8 lead after the first quarter as Morgan (7-1) struggled from the field.

The Cherokees made just 3 of 12 shots in the opening quarter, and only 4 of 12 in the second quarter. They trailed 31-22 at the break.

Boone's quick start pleased coach Matt McKay.

"We jumped out really quick and that set the tone," McKay said. "Even though they came back at us, we eventually extended our lead."

Morgan, a team with basically five guards led by Jaron Coleman, Brandon Grubl and Joel Reinhertz, never got into a good flow at either end of the court. The Cherokees didn't shoot well and they turned the ball over 12 times.

"It's important to get a lead on them, because I've seen them dismantle teams with their style of play," McKay said. "Our only plan was to stay in front of them because they go to the hole so well."

Dan Block, another 6-6 post player, came off the bench to add 15 points and nine rebounds for the Wolves. Point guard Michael Eleftheri scored 13 and dished out four assists.

After trailing by 18 late in the third quarter, Morgan made a mini run.

Reinhertz hit three 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to help get the Cherokees within nine at 57-48, but the Wolves broke the press and scored in transition to earn the win down the stretch.

Reinhertz scored 17 to lead Morgan, while Grubl added 12 while shooting just 4 of 15 from the floor.

BOYS BASKETBALL

South County Tournament

Championship

Boone Grove 63, Morgan Twp. 50

Consolation

Hebron 49, Kouts 42