Mitchell-Timmons Memorial Tournament CHAMPIONS
Badgers capture tourney title, improve record to 7-1

Junior post Heath Hopson (above and right) was named to the all-tournament team of the Mitchell-Timmons Memorial Torunament in Lorena. Hopson recorded three double-doubles in leading the Badgers to a tournament title.

While Heath Hopson was the only Lampasas player named to the all-tournament team, LHS head coach Scott Harrelson said it was the completeness of the team's effort that was most responsible for it bringing home the championship trophy of the Mitchell-Timmons Memorial Tournament in Lorena.

The Badgers rallied from a fivepoint halftime deficit to knock off Class 2A power Peaster, 37-35, in the title game to finish the threeday tournament 4-0, upping their season record to 7-1.

"It was obvious the boys were feeling the stress of the playoff atmosphere (in the first half of the title game)," Harrelson said.

But Jonathan VanLiew came up with a key steal early in the third quarter, intercepting an inbounds pass and taking it coast to coast for a bucket. The Badgers outscored Peaster 23-16 in the second half.

PHOTOS BY RICHARD AKRIDGE

Hopson was dominant throughout the tournament with three double-doubles. He had 14 points and 10 rebounds in the title game, 25 points and 11 rebounds in the 68-39, opening-round win against Vanguard, and 30 points and 11 boards in a 54-48, second-round win against Mexia.

Scott came alive in the win against Peaster, scoring six points and pulling down seven rebounds (six on offense).

Tyner had his strongest performance in the opener, scoring 13 points and registering seven assists. He had 11 points and two assists against Mexia, and 12 points and four assists in the title game.

Cofield was the defensive stronghold in the title game, recording five blocks. He had 10 points and nine rebounds in the win against Vanguard, and seven points and five rebounds in the win against Mexia.

Scott had five rebounds and two assists against Vanguard and six rebounds against Mexia, and Jordy Carnes had eight points against Vanguard.

"We were the surprise team in the championship game -- the underdogs -- and we pulled a major upset," Harrelson said. "I thought Hopson's all-tournament selection was well-deserved, but I thought Clay Tyner and Heath Cofield deserved that honor, too, and that Warren Scott was the most valuable player of the championship game. I am very proud of the way we played this weekend. We've still got a long way to go to be ready for district, but this was a great start."

Warren Scott: Post had six points and seven rebounds in the championship game.