Edward Morrow vaults Simeon to Pontiac tournament title

PONTIAC, Ill. — Simeon’s Edward Morrow is an old school gentleman in person, but he’s an absolute monster on the basketball court.

The No. 4 Wolverines’ 6-7 senior was the dominant force in the Pontiac Holiday Tournament. He controlled the paint and was the focus of every opposing defense, opening things up for his talented teammates.

Morrow scored eight points and had five blocked shots in Simeon’s 46-26 demolition of Benet in the championship game Wednesday.

“We came out of the gate hot and we played together,” Morrow said. “I just tried to set the tone with my defense.”

Benet struggled to score throughout the game, managing two field goals in the first quarter, two in the second quarter, three in the third and three in the fourth.

Simeon (9-1) led 28-9 at the half and Benet was never able to mount a credible threat.

“We played really good defense this week,” Simeon coach Robert Smith said. “We didn’t play as many guys (in the title game) as we normally would, we were focused on getting the win.”

Simeon may have limped in to Pontiac after losing to St. Rita, but they’ve emerged from the tournament looking like one of the area’s strongest teams.

“I think with Armon Benford we have found our team,” Smith said. “The guys respect him.”

Benford was inserted into Simeon’s starting lineup in the tournament’s opening game on Monday and looks to be a permanent fixture.

D.J. Williams scored 12 and grabbed five rebounds and was named second team all-tournament. Morrow was named first team and Isaiah Moss (eight points) was an honorable mention. Zack Norvell added 10 points for Simeon

Benet’s Colin Bonnett, who led the Redwings to their improbable spot in the title game, won the AC Williamson Award, given to the tournament’s top player.

Bonnett scored five points in the title game. James Dockery led Benet (9-3) with 12 points.