Monroe City boys, Canton girls capture titles at 79th annual Tony Lenzini Invitational

PALMYRA, Mo. — The Hannibal boys basketball team relied on its defense to keep it within striking distance of top-seeded Monroe City at halftime of Saturday night’s championship game of the 79th annual Tony Lenzini Invitational.

The Panthers didn’t allow that to happen in the second half.

After being held to just nine points in the second quarter, Monroe City responded with 23 points in the third quarter and 43 in the second half to finish off a 73-60 victory. It secured the Panthers’ fourth consecutive Lenzini title.

Jaedyn Robertson sparked the second half surge for Monroe City. Scoreless in the second quarter, Robertson hit three 3-pointer and scored 11 points in the third quarter. He finished with 16 points.

Joshua Talton led the Panthers with 18 points, and Deion White added 13.

Aaris Stolte led Hannibal with 29 points, making four 3-pointers and going 11 of 13 from the free-throw line. Cortland Watson added 16 points.

In the girls championship game, Canton’s balanced scoring attack was too much for Palmyra to overcome as the Tigers placed four in double figures in their 68-54 victory.

Macie Fisher led Canton with 17 points, while Nariah Clay had 14 points and went 8 of 9 from the free-throw line. Emma Hultz made four 3-pointes and finished with 14 points and Macy Glasgow added 11 points. 

In the boys third-place game, Palmyra’s Carson Hicks buried the go-ahead 3-pointer with 4.5 seconds to play to push the Panthers to a 51-47 victory over Highland. Alex Loman led Palmyra with 14 points, while Bear Bock added 10. 

Drew Mallett led Highland with 17 points and Alex Meyer added 14 points.