Saxony Completes Successful Run At Carbondale Christmas Tournament

Saxony Lutheran went in to their first year at the 53rd Annual Carbondale Holiday Tournament with an unblemished record and something to prove to teams from Illinois, Tennessee, Kentucky as well as Missouri.

The 16 team tourney tipped off December 27th at SIU arena conisisting of 2 brackets, A (small) and AA (large) schools,culminating in the small and large school bracket winners and championship game Thursday, December 29th.

Saxony defeated an athletic Meridian squad 64-45, led by hot three point shooting from Jalen Williams and Carston Short. Memphis University High defeated Chicago Collins to meet Saxony in the semi-final game. Holding a large lead going into the final quarter with strong efforts by William Rogers and Trae Robinson, Saxony hung on to defeat a late drive by Memphis U, 67 to 64.

The A bracket championship game paired Saxony against local favorite Murphysboro, who defeated McClean County and New Madrid. Saxony battled and ultimately downed a physical Red Devils team 50 to 48 thanks to efforts by Corie Williams and late game free throws hit by Nathan Ruark and Willam Rogers.

Jalen Williams (junior) drives against Ridgeway as junior Nathan Ruark looks on

The AA bracket Champion, Memphis Ridgeway, defeated Cardinal Ritter of St. Louis, Rockford East and host team Carbondale Terrriers to reach the Tournament Championship game vs. Saxony. Ridgeway, the reigning large school Tennessee state champion, touted three 6 foot 7 ballers and sharpshooter 6'2" guard Jalen Crutcher, who signed to play with SEC division 1 University of Tennessee.

The Crusaders from Saxony battled back from several deficits due to the sharpshooting Crutcher, leading by 1 at halftime. Ultimately, Ridgeway, 6th ranked among large schools in Tennessee this year, held off Saxony to be crowned this year's champions,60 to 58. Three Crusaders, William Rogers, brothers Jalen and Corie Williams were named to the 53rd Carbobdale all tournament team. The Crusaders move into 2017 with 10 wins and 1 loss.