Cornerstone Wins MBB Tournament Title - Mar 6, 2014
Cornerstone got 31 points from Wes Hudson (6'0''-PG) to edge Davenport 73-66 for the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) tournament title. The Golden Eagles held a two-point advantage with 18 seconds when Ben Lanning (6'8''-F) drove home a dunk to seal the eighth tournament title for Cornerstone.
The Golden Eagles held a three-point advantage at the half, 45-42, after an offensive first period. Cornerstone trailed only once in the game, when Javontae Ford (6'3''-F-91) hit a jumper at the 16:52 mark to put Davenport up 48-47. It was short-lived however as Travis Wells (6'1''-G) reclaimed the lead 10 seconds later with a two-point jumper.
Cornerstone built a six-point lead a couple of times only to have the Panthers respond to keep it close. Hudson converted a pair of free throws with 43 ticks left on the clock for another six-point Cornerstone lead, 70-64, when Dominez Burnett (6'5''-F-92) responded with a driving layup to cut it to four with 32 seconds remaining. Davenport's defense forced Cornerstone to take a time out, but not until another 10 seconds have elapsed. Travis Wells took the inbounds pass and found Lanning heading to the bakset to give Cornerstone a 74-66 advantage. Wells connected on one of two free throws for the final 73-66 score.
In addition to leading all scorers, Hudson also had five rebounds and six assists. Lanning finished with 14 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks as fifth-ranked Cornerstone improved to 29-4 overall. The Golden Eagles will represent the WHAC at the NAIA Division II Men's Basketball National Championship Tournament.
Burnett just missed a double-double with 23 points and nine rebounds for Davenport. Javontae Ford finished with 22 point and eight boards. The Panthers, now 27-6 and ranked ninth in NAIA Division II, will also represent the conference at nationals as the league's second representative.
Player of the Year:
Wes Hudson (6'0''-PG) of Cornerstone Newcomer of the Year:
Ben Lanning (6'8''-F) of Cornerstone Coach of the Year:
Kim Elders of Cornerstone Champions of Character Coach of the Year:
Noel Emenhiser of Madonna
Elders
