Russell Conwell for River Radio Sports Central
DU QUOIN — It will be the Sparta Bulldogs and Herrin Tigers battling for the Du Quoin Tip-Off Classic championship Saturday afternoon.
The Bulldogs earned their spot in the title game with a 63-55 win over Murphysboro in the first semifinal Friday night. Dariontez Monroe led the Bulldogs with 19 points with DJ Hayes adding 18. Murphysboro’s Kemmeon Hale led all scorers with 20.
In the second semifinal, Herrin downed the host Indians 53-41. Jaxton Faulkenberry led the Tigers with 18 points. Wednesday night’s hero, JJ Gwaltney, scored eight of his 13 points in the fourth quarter for the Tigers. Gwaltney’s buzzer beater gave Herrin a 51-49 win over Chester Wednesday night. Du Quoin’s Amir Grant led all scorers Friday with 24.
So here’s the trophy day schedule for Saturday:
11:00 Sesser-Valier vs Carmi-White Co. (7th Place)
12:30 Cairo vs Chester (5th Place)
2:00 Murphysboro vs Du Quoin (3rd Place)
3:30 Sparta vs Herrin (Championship)
