[MONROE, LA] The Muddy River Counselors went into the Tri-State Classic with a 5-4 record after playing tough competition early in the season. The Counselors stacked their schedule, with some of the best teams in the state on the other side.
The first game of the classic in Monroe was against the Southwest Louisiana Knights. This was a team the Counselors had played before. In the 2022 Gulf Coast District Tournament, Muddy River defeated SWLA behind 18 points from then-senior King Williams.
This time, the Counselors exploded to a hot start. Going up 10-0, the Counselors felt good. The Knights kept relatively close throughout the game, never letting the Counselors’ lead get over 20. Muddy River defeated SWLA 63-46. Caleb Sanders finished with 19 points, 12 steals, and 11 rebounds, completing his first career triple double.
Next up for the Counselors were the CHEF Patriots of Baton Rouge. The Patriots were undefeated going into the game with a 7-0 record. The Counselors started the game on a run, up 12-3 in the first few minutes. CHEF then made a big run, finishing the first period up 18-17.
Muddy River won the second quarter but the game was still tight with a 39-34 Counselor advantage. The third period was an explosion for the Counselors with Muddy River having a 59-46 lead going into the fourth.
But CHEF had another run in them. The Patriots rallied and brought the game within three to a 64-61 ball game. The Counselors answered quickly and put the lead back up to 68-61.
Muddy River was able to hold on behind Sun Michael Williams’ 39 points and Caleb Sanders finishing with 25 points.
The second day began with the Counselors facing the Cornerstone Eagles. The Eagles were the only private school involved in the Tri-State Classic as all the rest of the teams were homeschool teams.
The Counselors opened the game missing shots and the game was tied at 8 early but the Counselors pulled away and pulled away quickly. Muddy River won the game 83-70.
The last game for the Counselors was the first ever matchup against the CHA Flame, the homeschool team from Monroe. Sun Michael Williams and William Leach had previously competed against the CHA Flame in 2019, but that was when both played for the Jackson Victors.
This game was all Counselors. Luke Sanders went off, finishing with 20 points. Sun Michael Williams finished with 15 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, achieving his second career triple double.
The Counselors are now 9-4 heading into a home stand. If Muddy River can take care of business in the MSAHA, they can get a favorable seeding in the Gulf Coast District Tournament, which would be very desirable for the Counselors.
Muddy River takes on the Meridian Flyers on Dec. 7 at home. Coverage will Lord-willing be live on Counselors TV.
