Siegfried’s blistering shooting part of Titans’ overwhelming effort in Hancock County tourney

WARSAW, Ill. — Lewis Siegfried’s body language is obvious, and the confidence practically oozes from his fingertips with each release beyond the 3-point arc. 

“I can just feel it,” Siegfried said. “I know when I’m on.”

The long-range senior assassin was certainly on Friday night.

Siegfried poured through a game-best 21 points, including five 3-point field goals — all in the span of less than three quarters — to trigger West Hancock’s 96-40 overpowering of Augusta Southeastern in front of 700 fans Friday night at the 104th Hancock County Invitational Tournament inside Warsaw High School.

West Hancock reserves played some of the third quarter and all of the fourth. A running clock was in play for the entire fourth period.

Siegfried, a 6-foot-3 senior, was interested in talking about his shooting prowess and more concerned with the Titans regaining the county championship from Illini West. The two schools play at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, with the outcome determining this year’s title.

Both West Hancock (17-4) and Illini West (15-6) are 3-0 in the week-long, round-robin tournament. Illini West won last year’s championship on the strength of a 59-56 triumph over West Hancock.

Siegfried believes the night-in, night-out balance West Hancock displays will be an important key in its effort to return the trophy home. In three tournament games, the Titans have produced 12 double-figure performances.

“Any one of six guys on this team has the ability to go off for 20 points on any given night,” Siegfried said. “Instead of looking for a good shot, we concentrate on getting a great shot.”

Both Siegfried and Titans coach Jeff Dahl admit they remember last year’s tournament outcome all too well. Dahl said the drive to reclaim the championship has been evident in his club’s performance all week. No opponent was taken lightly, which can be seen in the scores leading up to the meeting with Illini West. The Chargers are averaging 87 points per game this week and their average margin of victory is 51.3 points.

“It’s the Hancock County Tournament and our kids are motivated,” Dahl said. “We remember last year.”

Dahl said his club had managed to have one practice over a 10-day period before losing that championship game. Inclement weather had pushed the title game back to late January.

Overconfidence will not be a problem Saturday night, according to Dahl, who admittedly is a big fan of Illini West coach Blaize Kimmell and how the Chargers play.

“I like what they do,” Dahl said. “Blaize does a great job with that program.”

West Hancock’s offense swished 12 3-point field goals against Southeastern (6-13), with seven different players recording at least one. Gavin Grothaus (13), Hunter Froman (12) Cooper Knowles (12) and Nolan Gooding (12) also reached double figures in scoring.

West Hancock also controlled the rebounding 40-25. Gooding (12) and Knowles (7) were the leaders. Knowles also contributed five blocked shots.

Griffin Tippey (16) led Southeastern in scoring. Tristen Hester (5) was the Suns’ top rebounder.

West Hancock’s win over Southeastern was its fourth straight since losing back-to-back games in the 2021-22 season.