Basketball roundup: Nashville edges Mater Dei for title, Highland claims crown

Here is a brief recap from Saturday’s tournament action. Records listed are as of the completion of play Saturday.

2020 Nashville Invitational Tournament

The host Hornets edged Mater Dei 41-39 in the championship game of the 2020 Nashville Invitational Tournament.

Nashville improved to 20-4, while the Knights dropped to 17-4. Terry Pelczynski led the Hornets with 15 points, while Tristen Hercules added 12 points. Caleb Zurliene scored a team-high 11 points for Mater Dei, while Grant Goebel and Jacob Schadegg chipped in 10 points apiece.

In the third place game, Mascoutah (9-9) defeated Breese Central (9-12) 56-49.

Highland Scott Credit Union Girls Tournament

Highland used a huge fourth quarter the capture the championship of the 34th annual Highland Scott Credit Union Girls Tournament.

Tied at 29 after three quarters, the Lady Bulldogs outscored their Mississippi Valley Conference rivals 24-9 in the final stanza to post a 53-38 verdict and capture the tourney title.

Highland improved to 19-6, while the Eagles dropped to 22-3. Bella LaPorta paced HHS with 19 points, while Ellie Brown added 13 points. Anna Hall led CM with 11 points.

O’Fallon, meanwhile, knocked off Teutopolis in the third place game 68-82 to improve to 19-4.

Chick-fil-A Classic

In other action from the Chick-fil-A Classic at Belleville East, the host Lancers outlasted fellow Southwestern Conference foe Alton 79-71 in the third place game.

Belleville East mproved to 13-7, while the Redbirds fell to 10-11.

In the consolation championship, Belleville West eased past Champaign Central 49-34 to improve to 10-9. Tommie Williams led the Maroons with 15 points, while Greg Wells scored 10.

Althoff, meanwhile, defeated Normandy 65-52 in the seventh place game. The Crusaders are 6-13.

Okawville Invitational

Alton Marquette rolled past Wesclin 63-36 to claim the Okawville Invitational.

The Explorers improved to 14-6, while the Warriors dropped to 11-11

Roxana 58-56 (14-7) defeated the host Rockets (12-7) in the third place game.