Payton Cain stepped up with a team-high 10 points in the St. Joseph-Ogden boys' basketball team's first game at this year's
State Farm Holiday Classic basketball tournament.
The Spartans defeated Annawan 47-42 after a strong second half on Thursday, the first day after Christmas.
Five other SJO players contributed offensively to the victory. Ty Pence finished with nine points while seniors Chance Izard and Conner Hodge collected eight points a piece to round out the top four scorers.
Braves' Ryan Goodman led all scorers with 16 points. Julian Samuels kicked in another 15 in the loss.
The Spartans advanced to face Rockford Lutheran in the championship half of the bracket with the hopes of advancing to the championship game on Monday for the first time since 2016.
Box Score
| St. Joseph-Ogden |
12 |
12 |
7 |
16 |
- 47 |
| Annawan |
11 |
14 |
6 |
11 |
- 42 |
Scoring
St. Joseph-Ogden: Conner Hodge 8, Payton Cain 10, Jordan Kelly 7, Payton Grimsley 5, Chance Izard 8 and Ty Pence 9.
Annawan: Ryan Goodman 16, Austin Earley 6, Mason Matney 2, Josh Sims 3 and Julian Samuels 15.
