Williamston Falls To Benton Harbor in Class B Quarterfinals
For the second time in as many years Williamston has their hearts broken in the quarterfinals. The Hornets bow out of the MHSAA Class B tournament after a 71-51 loss to the Benton Harbor Tigers.
The game was not as lopsided as the final scoreline would indicate. The teams traded shots and runs in the first half and through 16 minutes the game was tied 30-30. In the second half, the Tigers kept their foot on the gas pedal and their legs never tired as they put up 41 points on 14-23 shooting in the second half.
Williamston was led by Cole Kleiver who was the game's highest scorer with 19 points and nine boards. Sean Cobb also had a strong game with a double-double, 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Benton Harbor's leader was Dennie Brown, who had 18 points, two rebounds and four assists. Shawn Hopkins delivered the dagger, his two handed slam dunk in the fourth quarter seemingly sealed Williamston's fate and advanced the Tigers to the Breslin Center. Hopkins' line finished at eight points and eight rebounds. Four different Tigers were in double figures in this game.
Williamston's season ends at 22-3 and snaps a 17 game winning streak for the Hornets. Benton Harbor advances to 25-1 and will play in the Class B semifinals taking on River Rouge.
Team Stats:
| Williamston | STAT | Benton Harbor |
|---|---|---|
| 51 | Points | 71 |
| 31 (11) | Rebounds (Off.) | 27 (7) |
| 34.5 (19-55) | FG% | 51.9 (27-52) |
| 22.7 (5-22) | 3pt% | 30.0 (6-20) |
| 72.7 (8-11) | FT% | 84.6 (11-13) |
| 7 | Assists | 13 |
| 4 | Steals | 8 |
| 3 | Blocks | 1 |
| 8 | Turnovers | 7 |
Individual Stats:
Dennie Brown (BH), 18 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals
Elijah Baxter (BH), 13 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal
Carlos Johnson (BH), 11 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
Devan Nichols (BH), 10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal
Cole Kleiver (WHS), 19 points, 9 rebounds
Sean Cobb (WHS), 10 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals
Joseph Hahnenberg (WHS), 10 points, 2 rebounds