SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - The first day of action at Lincoln Land Community College for the 100th Sangamon County Tournament did not disappoint.
The opening round began Monday with an #8/#9 seed matchup between Pawnee and Tri-City/Sangamon Valley. The Tornadoes kept the game close through the first quarter, but Pawnee was able to distance itself, taking a 27-13 lead into halftime. An equally impressive third quarter helped earn the separation they needed for Pawnee to move on 44-25. They advance to play Calvary, who earned a bye with the top overall seed.
New Berlin and Athens delivered a competitive game down to the wire in a #3/#6 matchup. After grabbing the lead early in the third quarter, the Warriors would carry that momentum into the final frame. The Pretzels mounted a late comeback, re-taking the lead off a layup by Gabe Molloy in the final minute of play. New Berlin would hang on, fending off Athens 44-41.
The final game of day one pitted #7 Pleasant Plains against #10 Springfield Lutheran. The Cardinals' tenacious defense held Lutheran to just 2-points in the first quarter, allowing Pleasant Plains to quickly build a 10-point cushion. The trend would continue for each quarter that followed, as the Cardinals pulled away to an eventual 45-30 victory. Pleasant Plains will take on Sangamo foe and the #2 seed, Williamsville, who also earned a bye.
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