The Carmi-White County 6th Grade Boys Basketball team went 2-1 at the Benton Tournament over the weekend, bringing home the Consolation Championship.
Carmi opened tournament play with a hard-fought 54-49 loss to Murphysboro. Despite the setback, the Bulldogs showed plenty of fight throughout the contest. Jack Taylor led the way offensively with 13 points, while Beckam Moore added 12. Abe Aud chipped in 9 points, and Bennett Moore followed with 8. Brooks Campbell scored 3 and Jett Bradshaw added 2.
In their second game against West Frankfort, Carmi turned in one of its most complete performances of the tournament, cruising to a 42-20 victory. Taylor once again paced the Bulldogs with 16 points, attacking the basket and finishing in transition. Aud followed with 13 points in a strong all-around effort, while Bennett Moore added 9. Campbell contributed 4 as Carmi controlled the game from start to finish.
With the win, the Bulldogs advanced to the consolation championship game against Goreville, and they saved their best performance for last.
Carmi overwhelmed Goreville 47-21 to secure the consolation title. The Bulldogs jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, combining aggressive defense with balanced scoring.
Beckam Moore led the charge with 15 points, finding rhythm offensively and finishing consistently around the rim. Bennett Moore added 10 points, while Bradshaw scored 8. Aud scored 6, Taylor added six, and Campbell finished with 2 as every contributor played a role in the decisive victory.
After the opening loss, the Bulldogs responded with back-to-back dominant wins, outscoring their final two opponents 89-41.
The future of Bulldog Basketball is looking bright.