John Hartman scores 23 to lead Saxony Lutheran to elusive tournament title

Led by their three seniors, the Saxony Lutheran Crusaders defeated Poplar Bluff 57-50 and won the Rolla “Duke” Herbert Tournament on Friday, Dec. 1 in Crystal City, Mo.

It’s been a long time since the Saxony Lutheran basketball team won a tournament.

“It means a lot because we've been working real hard all these years,” Saxony Lutheran senior John Hartman said. “It’s me and Luke (Eggemeyer’s) first year getting it, I don't think coaches have won in about six years here, so it feels good.

Hartman led the Crusaders with 23 points, including five made baskets from the three-point line. Eggemeyer scored 15 points and the third senior, Blake Gaebler, added 11 points. Hartman and Eggemeyer were named to the All-Tournament team.

Hartman said he knew from pre-game warmups that he and the Crusaders would perform well in this game.

“I felt good,” Hartman said, “so I knew we'd have a big night here.”

Hartman made three shots from beyond the arch in the first quarter to give the Crusaders a 13-12 first quarter lead. After falling behind 23-18 at halftime, Hartman and Eggemeyer combined to score 16 of the Crusaders’ 22 third quarter points to retake the lead and enter the fourth quarter up 39-36.

The Crusaders maintained their lead in the final period by making 9-of-16 from the free-throw line. Gaebler also scored half of his points in clutch time.

Poplar Bluff senior Torrence Williams puts up a shot against Saxony Lutheran in the championship round of the Rolla �Duke� Herbert Tournament on Friday, Dec. 1 in Crystal City, Mo. Tony Capobianco ~ tcapobianco@semoball.com

Poplar Bluff was led by Preston Moore, who scored 21 points. Mar'Lon Hickman, who scored five points and Brendan Durden, who scored eight, were named to the All-Tournament team.

“We just beat a great team,” Hartman said. “We got good chemistry going on, looking good into next week.

Saxony Lutheran travels to Ste. Genevieve on Tuesday, Dec. 5.

Poplar Bluff (2-2) will travel to Marion, Ill on Saturday, Dec. 2 to take on Kankakee in the Black Diamond Harley-Davidson Shootout. The Mules will then start the SEMO Conference Tournament on Tuesday, Dec. 5 with a matchup against Jackson in Sikeston, Mo.