After a seven year absence, the Branson Pirates return to the Forsyth Tournament and claims their 15th title.
The Pirates had to overcome a strong effort from Gainesville, who had won the tournament two years ago, to grab the 68-65 win. The Bulldogs lead for much of the first quarter and a half though the Pirates seized a five point lead at half and lead for most of the rest of the game except for a brief period in the fourth quarter. Neither team led by double digits with seven points the biggest lead either team had.
Nolan Tolivar lead the Pirates with 23 points and was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player. Grant Leeker led four Bulldogs in double figures with 17 points.
In other action, Lebanon takes third place with a 66-44 win over Carl Junction while Forsyth rolls by Reeds Spring four fifth place 67-28.
In other tournament's, Branson claims a win in the final game of the Battle at the Boarder Girls Tournament, pulling away from MICDS from St. Louis for a 57-33 win, finishing the tournament with a 2-1 record. Olathe South wins the tournament finishing 3-0, claiming their final game over Lake Hamilton 48-38.
In the Willard Tournament, the Harrison Girls salvage seventh place beating the host Lady Tigers 58-43 while the Goblins drop their game to the host Tigers 87-75.
Area Athletes Win District, Sectional Championships, Move On
