2018 Bass Pro Tournament of Champions

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Andy Taylor. Emcee. 2018 Bass Pro Tournament of Champions

Emcee. Andy Taylor. 2018 Bass Pro Tournament of Champions

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Oak Hill Warriors win Bass Pro Tournament of Champions for 3rd time

For the third time in four years, Oak Hill Academy won the championship game at the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions. Remarkably, the Warriors are undefeated at JQH Arena. In 2015, Oak Hill crushed Wesleyan Christian. A year later, the Warriors defeated Sierra Canyon at the buzzer. This year, Keldon and Keyontae Johnson owned the defending Dick’s Sporting Goods National Champion LaLumiere Lakers, earning a comfortable 8-point victory in front of 10,689 fans Saturday night.

The 2018 Bass Pro Tournament of Champions saw over 25,700 fans during three days of hoops. In its 34-years, the tournament’s pedigree now includes over 350 NCAA Division-1 players, 60 who’ve played in the NBA. That’s remarkable. In my sixth year as on-court emcee, 2018’s class of talent did not disappoint.

Regardless of where you live, make plans now to visit Springfield, Missouri in early January of 2019. Be a part of the 35th Bass Pro Tournament of Champions. Just a few years down the road, you’ll reflect on witnessing greatness like Darius Garland, David McCormack, Keyontae and Keldon Johnson before they played in college or the pros.

You’ll never forget the hospitality, the authenticity, the fun you had with the entire family in a small town in the Midwest; a community that proudly hosts the highest attended high-school basketball tournament in the nation; all to benefit the athletic programs of its public schools.

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2018 All Tournament Team:

  • Keyontae Johnson (Oak Hill) MVP
  • Keldon Johnson (Oak Hill)
  • David McCormack (Oak Hill)
  • Isaiah Stewart (La Lumiere)
  • Tyger Campbell (La Lumiere)
  • Courtney Ramey (Webster Groves)
  • Carte’Are Gordon (Webster Groves)
  • Darius Garland (Brentwood Academy)
  • Kofi Cockburn (Christ the King)
  • Matt Bradley (Wasatch Academy)
  • Monty Johal (Glendale)
  • Quinn Nelson (Ozark)

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2018 Slam Dunk Contest:

Champion:

  • Darrick Jones, Jr. (Oak Hill)

Finalists:

  • Tyem Freeman (Parkview)
  • Peyton Nichols (Ozark)
  • Clay Gayman (Nevada)

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RESULTS. Day-3: 2018 Bass Pro Tournament of Champions

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  • Oak Hill def LaLumiere 78-70
  • Brentwood def Webster Groves 63-60

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  • Wasatch def Ozark 47-46
  • Christ the King def Glendale 86-68

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Championship Game: Oak Hill def LaLumiere 78-70

Oak Hill has yet to lose a game at the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions. The Warriors are now 9-0 at JQH Arena. In 2015, they crushed Wesleyan Christian in the championship game. Two years ago, they defeated Sierra Canyon with a Ty-Shon Alexander 3-pointer as time expired. This year, Oak Hill defeated the Ozark Tigers by 19, Webster Groves by 11, and the defending Dicks Sporting Goods National Champions by 8 in the championship game.

Keyontae Johnson earned the weekend’s MVP honors, scoring 29 in game-1, just 12 in game-2, and 24 in the championship game. Keldon Johnson was equally as impressive, also earning All Tournament Team honors. Keldon scored 19 in game-1, then put up a consistent 23-points in games 2 and 3. Both with 65 points over the weekend, they probably should have been co-MVP’s considering how well they dominated all-comers.
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LaLumiere’s Isaiah Stewart and Tyger Campbell also earned spots on the All Tournament Team. Stewart dropped 22 in game-1’s win over Glendale, 35 in game-2’s victory over Brentwood, and 23 in the championship game. Tyger ran a solid offense, earning respectable scoring numbers and 10 assists on Saturday.

3rd-Place Game: Brentwood def Webster Groves 63-60

Remember this name: Darius Garland. You’ll be hearing it a lot over the next ten years. This young man single handedly delivered Brentwood Academy a third-place finish at the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions. However, you won’t hear him boast about his numbers or importance to the team’s success; Mom and Dad raised him better than that.

Mom Phylicia is the most passionate, yet fairest fan at every Brentwood game. I can tell you first hand, it is an absolute blast sitting next to her during a game. Meanwhile, Darius’ father is a Missouri State legend. My introduction of Winston Garland during Saturday’s Slam Dunk Contest says it all:

His retired jersey hangs in the rafters here at JQH Arena. Point guard for the SMS Bears from 1985-87, he played seven seasons in the NBA averaging 15 points per game for Golden State in 1989. Many now know him as Darius’ dad – but we will always remember him as one of MSU’s most prolific scorers, who still holds the record for scoring the most points in a single season (720) – Ladies and Gentlemen…Winston Garland

Darius scored 29 of Brentwood’s 57-points in the Eagles victory over Wasatch Academy on Thursday. He drained a ridiculous 37 of Brentwood’s 51-points in Friday’s loss to LaLumiere. Saturday, he put-up an additional 34-points in Brentwood’s 3-point victory over Webster Groves. Depth is not a word many would use to describe Brentwood Academy’s roster, but that’s okay – there’s a Garland at point guard.

5th-Place Game: Wasatch def Ozark 47-46

The Ozark Tigers earned serious respect at this year’s Bass Pro Tournament of Champions. On Thursday, they were tasked with the toughest team in the draw, the Oak Hill Warriors – undefeated in their two previous runs at JQH Arena. Oak Hill earned a comfortable victory, but Quinn Nelson still managed to drop 25. On Friday, the Tigers silenced Christ the King’s big men, Moussa Cisse and Kofi Cockburn. Quinn scored 27, and Ozark earned the biggest upset of the tournament. The 5th place game on Saturday was probably the most competitive contest all weekend, with Ozark and Wasatch Academy neck-and-neck through the final buzzer. The Tigers fell by a single point. With double digits each night, Quinn Nelson earned his spot on the All Tournament Team.

Matt Bradley earned All Tournament Team honors for Wasatch Academy. He scored 20 in Thursday’s loss to Darius Garland and Brentwood Academy. In Friday’s ugly, come-from-behind victory over Glendale, he delivered the key block on Monte Johal, setting up Damian Squire’s miraculous 70-foot clincher as time expired. And he played lights-out on Saturday to inch his team past an inspired Ozark squad playing with extraordinary confidence.

7th-Place Game: Christ the King def Glendale 86-68

This weekend, the Glendale Falcons proved they could hold their own against the most talented basketball academies in the nation. At halftime on Thursday, they were down by just 3-points, facing the defending Dicks Sporting Goods National Champions. On Friday, they shocked Wasatch Academy, up 42-24 at the half; then led most of the third and fourth quarters. The Falcons lost the game on a “wing-and-a-prayer” 70-footer as time expired. On Saturday, the Christ the King Royals played their best game of the tournament, denying Glendale even the slightest whisper of a lead. But Monty Johal still put up 24-points, and rightfully earned All Tournament Team” honors.

The Royals were completely flaccid in the first two rounds. The big men, Moussa Cisse and Kofi Cockburn were non-factors. In game-2, Tyson Walker put-up 22-points, but the Ozark Tigers held Cisse to 7-points and Cockburn to 3, ultimately earning the upset behind Quinn Nelson’s 27-points.

In Saturday’s 7th-place game, the Royals finally snapped out of it. Everyone contributed. Cisse scored 12 and grabbed 15 rebounds. Cockburn caught fire, scoring 22. Walker, McPherson and Pierre-Phillipe also picked-up double-digits in the scoring column. The 6-time Bass Pro Champions saved their best ball for the final day. Unfortunately, it was a lights-out performance that kept them out of last place.

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RESULTS. Day-2: 2018 Bass Pro Tournament of Champions

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  • Wasatch def Glendale 68-65
  • Ozark def Christ the King 68-61

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  • LaLumiere def Brentwood 63-51
  • Oak Hill def Webster Groves 73-62

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Wasatch def Glendale 68-65 with an insane, 70-foot buzzer beater

Glendale played a hell of a ball game on Friday. Springfield Public Schools’ all-time scoring leader Monty Johal put up 30 points, Dylan Metivier scored 12, and the Falcons were up 42-24 at halftime against a nationally ranked Academy. But Wasatch awoke in the 3rd-quarter. Glendale’s accuracy waned from beyond the arc. And in the final minutes, the two were locked in a back and forth battle. With the score tied at 65 and less than a minute to play, Glendale hung-on for the final possession. Monte Johal made a drive to the hoop with 6-seconds on the clock, but Matt Bradley delivered a clutch block. Damion Squire snatched the loose ball and remarkably, sunk a 70-footer from the opposite 3-point line to win the game for Wasatch. You can’t make this stuff up…
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Ozark def Christ the King 68-61

The Royals of Christ the King have won the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions six times. On Friday evening, they were dominated by the Ozark Tigers, and relegated to the 7th place game in the consolation bracket. Quinn Nelson punctuated his 27-point performance with a dunk in the final minute, while Payton Nichols scored 20 and Parker Hanks contributed 10. Tyson Walker and Ryan Meyers combined for 38 of the Royals 61 points, but big man Moussa Cisse was a non-issue, as Ozark dictated play from outside the key. With the win, the Tigers will face Wasatch Academy in the 5th place consolation game on Saturday. No doubt, the’ll be sure to deny the 70-foot hail marys.

LaLumiere def Brentwood 63-51

In their Bass Pro Tournament of Champions debut, last year’s Dick’s Sporting Goods National Champions have earned a spot in the championship game. As expected, Brentwood leaned heavily on Vanderbily commit (and Winston Garland’s son) Darius Garland, who scored 37 of the Eagles 51 points. He earned 27 the night prior, in Brentwood’s win over Wasatch. With no one else producing for the Eagles, LaLumiere was able to maintain the lead throughout the game and walk-off with a comfortable victory. Isaiah Stewart drained 35 from the floor for the Lakers, while Charles Smith IV picked-up 10. Tyger Campbell ran an efficient offense, and ended the night with 9 assists.

Oak Hill def Webster Groves 73-62

The Oak Hill Warriors are now 8-0 at the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions. Back-to-back winners in 2015 and 2016, this is one of the deepest rosters Oak Hill has brought to Springfield. Four Warriors scored doubles digits on Friday night. Keldon Johnson had 23, Will Richardson scored 18, Keyontae Johnson picked-up 12 and big man David McCormack earned 11 inside the paint. Courtney Ramey (23) and Carte-Are Gordon (18) were the top scorers for Wesbter Groves, but the #2 Class-5 Team in Missouri couldn’t put together a run to contend with the top team in the nation (National Prep Hoops).

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RESULTS. Day-1: 2018 Bass Pro Tournament of Champions

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  • Brentwood def Wasatch 57-46
  • LaLumiere def Glendale 91-65

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  • Oak Hill def Ozark 84-65
  • Webster Groves def Christ the King 64-45

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Brentwood def Wasatch 57-46

Missouri State Legend Winston Garland’s son put-up a quiet 29-points for Brentwood Academy in the opening game of the 2018 Bass Pro Tournament of Champions. Darius Garland has all the tools his father utilized under Charlie Spoonhour’s tutelage, with clear court vision and ample craftiness to create opportunity. Most importantly, he hustles from tip to horn. Garland’s a Vanderbilt commit for the 2018-19 season.

LaLumiere def Glendale 91-65

Game-2 saw LaLumiere run away from the Glendale Falcons in the second half. Standout Isaiah Stewart scored 22 for the Lakers, while Tyger Campbell put-up 17 and Emanuel Miller 19. Both Stewart and Campbell are considering multiple offers from Division-1 schools next year. As he always does, Monty Johal posted big numbers for the Glendale Falcons. The Springfield Public Schools all-time scoring leader finished the night with 27-points, continuing to impress recruiters from LSU to Nebraska and Missouri State.

Oak Hill def Ozark 84-65

The Oak Hill Warriors are undefeated at the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions. In 2015, they earned wins over Chino Hills, Paul VI and Wesleyan Christian. A year later, they defended the title, defeating Sierra Canyon with a 3-point buzzer-beater from Ty’Shon Alexander in the final seconds. Thursday Night, Oak Hill put on a show above the rim against Ozark. Keyontae Johnson scored 29, while Keldon Johnson backed him up with 19. Keyontae takes his talent to Florida next season; Keldon will suit-up for Kentucky. Quinn Nelson led the Ozark Tigers with 25-points.

Webster Groves def Christ the King 64-45

Webster Groves’ Courtney Ramey and Carte’Are Gordon found their rhythm early against the Royals. Ramey scored 20, Gordon 18 on Thursday night. Ramey is entertaining several Division-1 offers for the 2018-19 season, while Gordon plans to play for Saint Louis. Despite having two big men over 6’10” (Moussa Cisse and Kofi Cockburn), Christ the King couldn’t put-up the numbers to chip away at the Statesmen’s early lead.

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THE TEAMS: 2018 Bass Pro Tournament of Champions

Oak Hill Warriors (Mouth of Wilson, VA)
  • Bass Pro Tournament of Champions: 2-time Champions (2015/2016)
  • Undefeated at JQH Arena: 6-0
  • National Prep Hoops Ranking: #1 in the Nation
  • B.J. Mack (Virginia Tech)
  • David McCormack (Kansas)
  • Keyontae Johnson (Florida)
  • Keldon Johnson (Kentucky)
  • Maurice Calloo (Offer from South Florida)
  • Will Richardson (Oregon)
  • Josh Hemmings (Offers from Cincinnati, Georgia Tech, Tulane, UCLA, USC)
  • NBA alumni: Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Rajon Rondo, Michael Beasley, Brandon Jannings
LaLumiere Lakers (La Porte, IN)
  • Defending Dick’s Sporting Goods National Champions
  • Bass Pro Tournament of Champions: First Appearance
  • National Prep Hoops Ranking: #8 in the Nation
  • Tyger Campbell (Offers from Purdue, DePaul, Memphis, Maryland, Alabama)
  • Isaiah Stewart (Offers from Kansas, UConn, Illinois, Ohio State, Notre Dame, DePaul, Virginia, Iowa, Maryland, Texas, Florida State)
  • Charles Smith IV (Offers from DePaul, Florida, Georgia Tech, Oklahoma, Cal, USC, Notre Dame, ​Baylor, UNLV, TCU)
  • Franklin Agunanne (Loyola, Chicago)
Christ the King Royals (Middle Village, NY)
  • Bass Pro Tournament of Champions: 6-time Champions (1985, 1989, 1996, 1998, 2006, 2008)
  • 16th appearance at JQH Arena: 33-14 overall record in the tournament
  • Prep Nation Ranking: #9 in the Northeast Region
  • Moussa Cisse (Offer from UConn)
  • Quaran McPherson (Offers from Stony Brook, St. John’s)
  • Kofi Cockburn (Offers from Auburn, Cal, Florida State, Indiana, Miami(FL), Pitt, Syracuse, UCLA, UNLV)
  • Tyler Walker (Offers from Towson, Iona, Saint Louis, Binghamton)
  • NBA alumni: Jayson Williams, Erick Barkley, Speedy Claxton, Derrick Phelps, Khalid Reeves
Wasatch Academy Tigers (Mt. Pleasant, UT)
  • Bass Pro Tournament of Champions: First Appearance
  • National Prep Hoops Ranking: #19 in the Nation
  • Matt Bradley (Cal)
  • Damion Squire (UC-Davis)
Brentwood Academy Eagles (Brentwood, TN)
  • Bass Pro Tournament of Champions: First Appearance
  • 2016-17 Tennessee Division II Class AA Champions
  • Darius Garland (Vanderbilt)
  • Cam Johnson (Vanderbilt Football)
  • Gavin Schoenwald (Vanderbilt Football)
  • NBA alumni include: Brandan Wright, David Harrison
  • NFL alumni include: Derek Barnett, King Dunlap, Jalen Ramsey, John Vaughn, Scott Wells, Kody Bliss
Webster Groves Statesmen (Webster Groves, MO)
  • Bass Pro Tournament of Champions: Second Appearance (1-2)
  • In 2005, fell in 1st-Round to St. Raymond’s, beat Republic, fell in 5th place game to White Station
  • 206-17 Missouri Class 5 State Champions
  • Courtney Ramey (Offers from Mizzou, Ohio State, Purdue, Texas, Villanova, Clemson)
  • Carte’Are Gordon (Saint Louis)
Ozark Tigers (Ozark, MO)
  • Bass Pro Tournament of Champions: Fifth Appearance (5-7)
  • In 2009, Fell to Olympia, then Central, then Glendale in the 7th place game
  • Quinn Nelson (Recruited by Evangel, Rockhurst, Southwest Baptist, Columbia College)
  • Parker Harris
  • Payton Nichols
Glendale Falcons (Springfield, MO)
  • Bass Pro Tournament of Champions: 1994 Champions
  • 11th appearance: 15-18 overall with 2nd-place finish in 1999 and 3rd-place finish in 2002
  • Monty Johal (Offers from UW-Milwaukee, Jackson State, Toledo / Interest from Nebraska, LSU, Drake, Missouri State, Mizzou, Indiana State, Belmont)
  • Jordan Walton (Interest from Bucknell, Eastern Illinois, SIU-Edwardsville, SIU, Drake, Northern Illinois)
  • Jaxon Davis
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