UPDATE: In a thrilling overtime showdown, the Arcadia Valley Tigers edged out the West County Bulldogs 58-55 on November 22, 2023, securing a spot in the championship of the 99th Arcadia Valley Thanksgiving Tournament for the first time since 2009. The dramatic victory unfolded in Ironton, where senior guard Kaiden Keith led the Tigers with an impressive 27 points and nine rebounds, showcasing his dominance during crucial moments.
The game reached its climax when Arcadia Valley, down to just one starter as three teammates had fouled out, faced a fierce challenge from West County. With just over a minute left in overtime, reserve guard Brayton Jarvis nailed a corner three-pointer, breaking a 51-51 tie. However, West County quickly retaliated, with Brody Simily driving to the basket for a brief 55-54 lead.
Keith responded with a decisive layup just 14 seconds before the final buzzer, reclaiming the lead for Arcadia Valley. He then sealed the victory with two free throws after intercepting an inbounds pass. Despite a valiant effort, West County’s last attempt fell short as time expired, marking the end of their three-year streak in the tournament final.
This highly anticipated matchup showcased the fierce rivalry between the teams, with tempers flaring and technical fouls issued during heated exchanges. West County’s Simily led his team with 15 points, but the Bulldogs ultimately squandered a solid lead established earlier in the game, entering the fourth quarter with a strong 36-27 advantage.
In addition to the excitement of the Arcadia Valley-West County game, the other semifinal saw South Iron narrowly defeat Fredericktown 43-39, securing their place in the championship against the Tigers. South Iron’s Casen Chilton scored 15 points, helping the Panthers maintain their title reign amid fierce competition.
As the tournament continues, all eyes will be on the championship game between Arcadia Valley and South Iron, which promises to be an unforgettable clash of talent and determination on November 23, 2023. Fans eagerly await the showdown, with both teams looking to claim glory in a historic tournament setting.
Stay tuned for more updates as events unfold in the Arcadia Valley Thanksgiving Tournament. This is a critical moment for local basketball, and the excitement is palpable.
