GRIGGSVILLE, Ill. — Fans packed The Nic at Griggsville-Perry High School on Wednesday night for a fierce Class 1A Regional Semifinal showdown between the 11-seed Tornadoes and 5-seed Brown County and were treated to a nailbiter that came down to the final seconds.

The Western Illinois Valley Conference rivals traded the lead throughout the game. The Hornets managed to pull ahead by two points as the clock wound down, then forced a turnover by the Tornadoes to seal the win, 46-42.

Brown County opened the game strong with a 7-0 run, but Griggsville-Perry responded with an 11-4 surge to secure a narrow 14-13 lead to close the first quarter.
Both teams sharpened defensive efforts in the second quarter. Garrett Woodward had all three G-P points in the second quarter on a bucket and one. The Hornets scored four points in the second on baskets from Carter Havens and Michael Kassing. The score was knotted at 17-17 at the break as neither gained a decisive edge.

The Tornadoes found their rhythm in the third, outscoring Brown County, 16-12. Hunter Brown led the charge with seven of his 12 points coming in the period. Mario Rodgers added five points to keep G-P in control, heading into the final frame with a 33-29 lead.

Brown County bounced back in the fourth and picked up timely defensive stops. The Hornets also managed to hold Woodward and Fencik scoreless in the fourth. Brody Rush knocked down seven points and Brown added a basket in the final frame to keep the Tornadoes within striking distance.

Freshman Bradley Markert and Havens were clutch at the free throw line to prevent G-P an opportunity to pull ahead. The Hornets sank 8-9 down the stretch, which proved to be the difference. Markert led the winning effort for Brown County with 17 points, followed by Havens with 10 and Kassing with seven. Brown ended the night with 12 points to lead the Tornadoes, Rush added 11 and Mario Rodgers contributed 10. Turnovers played a role in the contest, with Brown County committing 14 and Griggsville-Perry 12. Both teams had their opportunities, but Brown County’s efficiency down the stretch gave them the slight edge.

Brown County (24-9) will face top-seed Routt (29-4) in the Regional Final on Friday at 7 p.m. at Griggsville-Perry High School.

Griggsville-Perry closes the season with a 14-19 record. Despite the loss, the Tornadoes have a promising future, with several young players gaining valuable experience throughout the season. With continued development, G-P will look to build on this season’s efforts and return stronger next year.