Hornets display maturity beyond their years in upsetting Rockets in overtime for regional title

GRIGGSVILLE, Ill. — What was it that Roger Daltrey of The Who told us in the early days of what we now refer to as classic rock?

Wasn’t it something about, “The kids are alright?”

Yes, it was.

And yes, they are.

The Brown County boys basketball team, dominated by a kiddie corps of 10 sophomores and freshmen, proved again Friday night that the date on a birth certificate means very little on a basketball court.

The Hornets, seeded fifth in the Class 1A sub-sectional, won their third straight postseason game by toppling top-seeded Jacksonville Routt 67-65 in overtime before a thunderous 820 fans at Griggsville-Perry High School.

Brown County’s victory is its first over Routt since January 2018, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Rockets and propelling the Hornets to their first regional championship since 2018.

Brown County (25-9) scored the first seven points of overtime to lead 62-55, and then hung on for its 25th victory, which is two shy of the school record. Routt finishes 24-10.

Michael Kassing is part of Brown County’s youth-will-be-served roster. The 6-foot-2 freshman swingman “never felt the moment was too big” for the youthful Hornets, who are riding a five-game win streak and have won nine of their last 10.

“I think one of the biggest keys was being able to stay calm at important times,” said Kassing, who scored 12 points and was one of three Hornets in double figures.

Another freshman, 6-foot-2 Bradley Markert, led Brown County with 23 points, including seven in overtime. Markert scored the first five points of overtime to help the Hornets take the lead for good.

“I could feel the momentum going in our direction,” Markert said.

Brown County coach Jeff Bottorff did not need long to assess Markert’s contribution to the victory.

“Bradley is special,” Bottorff said.

Markert said the Hornets, despite their youth, have never felt overwhelmed at any point this season. That included Friday night.

“I don’t think we ever felt pressured,” said Markert, who leads Brown County in postseason scoring (18.7) and is the only Hornets player to be in double figures each of the three postseason games.

About the only negative mark on Markert’s ledger involved three missed free throws in the overtime — although he was 9 of 13 for the game — but struggles at the foul line were spread across the Brown County roster. The Hornets may have been able to put Routt away easier — or at least sooner — if not for a 13-of-26 showing at the foul line in the second half. 

“It was a rough night at the foul line for everyone,” Markert said.

The game’s most dominant inside presence was Brown County 6-foot-4 sophomore Jackson McNeff, who cleared a game-best 16 rebounds and scored 11 points.

“We ask Jackson to dominate the boards — and he does that well,” Bottorff said.

McNeff is a Kevin McHale doppleganger with his broad shoulders, dark hair and bangs bouncing off his forehead. 

“I just try and do my job, and that’s rebounding,” said McNeff, who had no trouble recalling the final moments of the game when Brown County was nearing victory. “Those last few minutes were just crazy. You could just feel the energy. We’re ready, we’re ready to win the sectionals and then the super-sectionals.”

The unsung hero of Friday night — and the season — may be senior point guard Maverick Henry, who takes his upperclassman status seriously.

“The whole game was a dogfight and I tried to provide a lot of leadership for all the young kids,” said Henry, who dropped in eight points and handled most of the backcourt pressure applied by Routt.

Henry’s role guiding the underclassmen  is admired by his coach.

“Maverick keeps them calm,” Bottorff said.

Brown County advances to the North Greene Sectional at 7 p.m. Wednesday to face Edwardsville-Metro East Lutheran (20-11), a 50-49 winner over Hardin Calhoun on Friday night.

“If we play the game like we can, no one can stop us,” Henry said.

Eli Olson (21) and Bryson Mossman (19) combined for 40 points for Routt, which led 47-43 after three quarters. The two clubs were tied at 36 at the half.