Bourbon High School’s boys basketball team hosted the 7th Annual Battle in Bourbon Tournament beginning on Jan. 3. The Warhawks lost in the first round of the tournament against Valley Park, which was detailed in last week’s edition. Bourbon played in the consolation portion of the bracket against Grandview and Bismarck on Jan. 6 and Jan. 9, and fell in both games, which are detailed below. Newburg won the tournament and Valley Park took second place. 

The Warhawks (0-13) are still looking for their first win of the season and will host Laquey on Jan. 13, play in Hillsboro against Grandview on Jan. 14 before hosting Viburnum on Jan. 16.

Jan. 6 vs. Grandview

The Warhawks found themselves in a close battle against the Grandview Eagles in the first quarter and trailed by six after the first eight minutes of play. But things went downhill from there for Bourbon, which was outscored 26-7 in the second frame and went into halftime trailing 41-16. Grandview was powered by 14 steals that led to continuous three-pointers and layups on the other end. The Eagles kept their foot on the gas in the third and took a 58-24 lead going into the final frame. Grandview emptied their bench and coasted into the consolation finals of the tournament with a 69-34 victory over the Warhawks. The Eagles were unselfish throughout the game and dished out 21 assists compared to six from Bourbon.

Bourbon was led by Owen Miller, who scored 17 points; half of the Warhawks’ total output. Dawson King added six, Tariq Moore chipped in four, Bryar Stricklan scored three and Joseph Woods and Jaden Booker scored two points apiece. Junior Jaxon Peterson scored 16 points to pace the Eagles.

Jan. 9 vs. Bismarck

Bourbon was outmatched from the tip-off against the Bismarck Indians and trailed 25-4 after the first quarter and went into halftime down 43-7. The Warhawks put up their highest-scoring quarter in the third frame with nine points, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Indians’ high-powered attack. Bismarck scored 18 in the third to take a 61-16 lead into the final frame. At that point, the clock ran continuously, Bismarck head coach Brett Hale pulled his starters and the Indians coasted to a 65-24 victory.

Tariq Moore led the Warhawks with 10 points on six free throws and a pair of baskets near the rim. Dawson King drained a three-pointer and a couple of buckets to finish with seven points. Owen Miller, who erupted for 17 points in Bourbon’s previous game, was held to two points on a pair of free throws. Joseph Woods and Bryar Stricklan also scored two points each and Jonathan Poole added one on a free throw.