Cougars win 7th grade tourney

Tourney winners The 7th grade Cougars won a back and forth contest over Tri-Central, 37-36, to capture the Carroll Tourney championship. The Cougars defeated Clinton Prairie 39-35 to advance. Team members pictured are (l. to r.): Kneeling - Tim Ruby, Matt Downham, Alex Atkisson. Standing - Daniel Huckstep, Coach Greg Downham, Blake Cromer, Chad Griffen, Andrew Beaver, Dan Budreau, Jeremy Hayes, Blake Seward, Brady Noonkester, and Coach Ed Geheb. Photo provided

Carroll's 7th grade boys' basketball team came back from Christmas break with a victory over Logansport Columbia and then won the Carroll Tourney.

The young Cougars opened the tourney with a come-from-behind victory over Clinton Prairie, 39-35. They were led by Tim Ruby's 16 points and Chad Griffen's double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds. A major key to the win was Brady Noonkester's play off the bench. He contributed 6 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals. Others scoring for the Cougars were Daniel Huckstep with 4, and Blake Cromer, 2.

The Cougars slipped past Tri Central, 37-36, in a thrilling back-and-forth contest to win the Carroll Tourney. Balanced scoring was led by Blake Seward, who had 10 points. Ruby added 9, Daniel Huckstep 4, and Jeremy Hayes 2. Carroll dominated the boards with Griffen's 8, Seward's 5 and Cromer's 5. Another key to the win was bench play. Noonkester had 4 points, while Matt Downham had a 3-point buzzer beater. Jeremy Hayes knocked down a bucket, too.

The tournament wins upped Carroll's record to 8-3.

Before the tournament, the Cougars defeated Logansport Columbia 34-17. Ruby led scoring with 22 points, including 4 three-pointers. Carroll played good defense throughout the game and were helped by Griffen's 4 rebounds and 3steals. Griffen and Seward scored 5 points each, while Noonkester added 2.