For the first time since the 2016-17 season, Cornerstone Men's Basketball won the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) tournament title on Tuesday evening, downing top-seeded Madonna 88-73. Coincidentally, the 2016-17 season was the last time a #1 seed has won the Men's Basketball Tournament.
Tuesday night's championship game was largely controlled by Cornerstone from whistle to whistle as the Golden Eagles took the lead at the 13:04 mark in the first half and would never trail again. Stellar defense, combined with a cold shooting night from range (21%) and the free throw line (52.9%) proved fateful for the top-seeded Madonna Crusaders. Conversely, Cornerstone shot nearly 50% from three point range while also winning the battle of the boards 40-32. Equally important was the scoring from the Cornerstone bench which provided 47 of the team's 88 points. Mason Brooks (6'6''-F) came off the bench to lead all scorers with 29 points thanks to a 7-for-9 night from three point range. WHAC First Teamer and Defensive Player of the Year, Cory Ainsworth (6'9''-C), posted a double-double with 24 points and 10 boards. Blake Stewart (6'3''-G) was the final CU scorer in double figures with 18 off the bench.
Madonna struggled to find its rhythm offensively despite a 28 point night from First Team All-Conference member Isaac Anderson (6'1''-G). Anderson also turned in eight boards and a pair of steals. Ethan Emerzian (6'0''-PG) scored 13 off the bench on a 6-of-8 effort from the field and Brendan Young (6'5''-F) added 10 points and 10 boards for a double-double.
Both Madonna and Cornerstone will move on to play in the NAIA National Championship Opening Round. The destination and opponent of that game will be announced on the NAIA Selection Show on March 7. The win moves Cornerstone to 24-7 on the season while WHAC regular season champion, Madonna, falls to 25-6.

Courtesy of whac.net

WHAC Final: Madonna - Cornerstone 73-88

WHAC Semifinals:
Madonna - Lawrence Tech 84-78
Cornerstone - Lourdes 74-71

WHAC Quarterfinals:
Madonna - Siena Heights 72-60
Cornerstone - Aquinas 97-72
Lourdes - Rochester 84-64
Indiana Tech - Lawrence Tech 65-66

Player of the Year: Brandon Beavers (6'2''-G) of Lawrence Tech
Defensive Player of the Year: Cory Ainsworth (6'9''-C) of Cornerstone
Newcomer of the Year: Shaunn Monroe (5'11''-PG) of Lourdes
Coach of the Year: Noel Emenhiser of Madonna

All-WHAC 1st Team 2024

Beavers

Harris

Young

Ainsworth

Holifield

First Team
Brandon Beavers (6'2''-G) of Lawrence Tech
Jackie Harris (6'6''-F-2001) of Lourdes
Brendan Young (6'5''-F) of Madonna
Cory Ainsworth (6'9''-C) of Cornerstone
Joey Holifield (6'4''-G) of Lourdes
Gunner Walters (5'11''-PG) of Rochester, MI
Isaac Anderson (6'1''-G) of Madonna
Luke Rowlinson (6'4''-G) of Cornerstone
Brady Titus (5'10''-PG) of Indiana Tech
Donovan Brown-Boyd (6'5''-F) of Aquinas Coll.
Shaunn Monroe (5'11''-PG) of Lourdes

All-WHAC Second Team 2024

Archey Jr.

Lewis

Williams

McClendon

Second Team
Matthew Maclellan (6'9''-C) of Madonna
Brett White (6'6''-G) of Rochester, MI
Ryan Archey Jr. (6'2''-G) of UNOH
Javel Lewis (6'8''-F) of Indiana Tech
Delano Williams (6'3''-G) of SHU
Zavion McClendon (6'3''-G) of Concordia, MI
Eli Steffen (6'2''-G) of Cornerstone
James Fisher (6'9''-F) of Rochester, MI
Max Perez (5'11''-PG) of Indiana Tech

WHAC All-Defensive Team 2024

Ainsworth

Lewis

Holifield

Beavers

All-Defensive Team
Cory Ainsworth (6'9''-C) of Cornerstone
Isaac Anderson (6'1''-G) of Madonna
Javel Lewis (6'8''-F) of Indiana Tech
Joey Holifield (6'4''-G) of Lourdes
Brandon Beavers (6'2''-G) of Lawrence Tech

All-Freshman Team
Jackson Reynolds (6'6''-F) of UM-Dearborn
Joey Garwood (6'3''-G) of Concordia, MI
Crew Gibson (6'8''-F) of Indiana Tech
Chris Williams (6'5''-F) of Cleary
Dallas Roberts (6'2''-G) of Indiana Tech