Rockets claim fourth straight Carmichaels tournament title
Submitted photo
Jefferson-Morgan’s seniors all know the drill by now.
Dayten Marion, John Woodward, Jaymison Robinson, Jeremiah Robertson and Brayden Ellsworth along with head coach Brandon Lawless gathered with the rest of the Rockets’ team at midcourt at Carmichaels Area High School for a group trophy photo on Sunday.
Jefferson-Morgan had just knocked off Beth-Center, 59-31, to claim their fourth consecutive Carmichaels King Coal Lions Tournament championship.
Marion led the way with a sparkling all-around performance that included a trio of 3-pointers and a game-high 24 points to go along with eight rebounds, four assists, two steals and a blocked shot.
The undefeated Rockets (10-0) moved out to a 20-8 advantage in the first quarter and led 39-14 at halftime and 51-17 after three.
Robertson sank two 3-pointers in scoring 16 points with five rebounds, six steals and two blocked shots for J-M, which also got two 3-pointers and 10 points, three steals and two assists from Ellsworth and nine assists from Robinson.
Marion, who had nine points, nine rebounds, seven steals and three blocked shots in J-M’s 69-17 win over Mapletown in the first round on Saturday, was named the MVP while Robertson and Robinson were named to the All-Tournament Team.
“The guys played hard,” said Lawless, a former Carmichaels star.
One of the keys to the Rockets’ success this season has been the way they complement each other and that was the case again Sunday, according to Lawless.
“You can see everyone giving 100 percent and soaking up their roles, which makes a coach’s life easy,” Lawless said. “I told all five of them (senior starters) they are on my all-tournament team though only three got recognized.”
Although it may not prefer it with the way it’s playing now, Jefferson-Morgan is off until Jan. 6 when it hosts Fort Cherry in a key Section 3-2A game. The Rockets are 4-0 in section play and tied with Chartiers-Houston for first place with the Rangers one game back at 3-1.
Carmichaels 59, Mapletown 15 — Stephen Lewis tallied 12 points as the host Mikes knocked off Mapletown in the Carmichaels King Coal Lions Tournament consolation game.
Scott Maskil followed with 11 points and Chase Ankrom had 10 for Carmichaels (2-6).
Charlie Hegedis paced the Maples (0-10) with 10 points.