Herrin beats WF for 3rd place in tourney

The Herrin Tigers won the third place game of the 2013 West Frankfort Mid-Winter Classic, Saturday night. The final score was Herrin 54 and West Frankfort 36. Both teams were spectators to the four overtime win by Eldorado over Johnston City 101-100, with the game delayed 58 minutes until a decision was reached in that 5th place contest.

The Redbirds came out of the locker room determined to avenge an earlier loss at Herrin by a huge margin. The ‘Birds played well early, and Herrin was just as determined not to let the home team stay close.  By halftime the Tigers held a substantial, but not insurmountable, 10-point  lead at intermission. In the second half, more problems with Herrin pressure forced the Redbirds into numerous turnovers.

For the game, the Redbirds committed 19 turnovers. That was three less than the first meeting between the two at Herrin earlier in the season. The Redbirds had 10 turnovers in quarters three and four. Herrin gradually added to their lead and won by double digits.

One of the biggest statistics of the game was rebounding where the Tigers owned the boards winning 29-11.

The Redbirds were led by the 11 points of sophomore Christian Dunning. He was the only West Frankfort player in double figures. Just missing with 9 each were Zack Fort and Trent Easley.

Herrin was led by Justin Lukens and his 20 points.

West Frankfort sophomore Braxston Koehl was named to the All-Tournament team. The Redbirds are idle this week until they resume Ohio Division play at Massac County on Friday night.