From left, Gibault players Jacob Rueter, Trevor Davis and Brian Deterding were named to the Duster Thomas All-Tourney Team. Davis was chosen as tourney MVP. (submitted photo)

The Gibault boys basketball team cruised into the championship game of the annual Duster Thomas Hoops Classic at Pinckneyville without much resistance. Unfortunately, the Hawks met their match in the final on Tuesday night.

The Hawks had no problem in dispatching DuQuoin and Trico to open tourney play on Monday. Gibault stormed out to a 12-1 lead after one quarter and 31-16 halftime advantage over DuQuoin en route to a 76-40 win. Brian Deterding and Jacob Rueter each scored 17 points and Trevor Davis added 13 points, nine rebounds and six assists.

The Monday night game was a mirror image of the first contest, as Gibault led 19-5 after one quarter and 37-14 at halftime against Trico on its way to a 69-42 victory. Davis erupted for 23 points for the Hawks, with Deterding adding 21 points and 13 rebounds.

Tuesday saw the Hawks in a matchup with tourney host Pinckneyville for the right to play in the final. Gibault again got off to a strong start, leading 17-3 after one quarter. The Panthers battled back to make it a close one, but the Hawks won 49-42. Rueter led the way with 16 points. Deterding added 14 points.

The tables were turned on Gibault in the final, as it was Carterville getting off to the fast start. The Hawks trailed 26-15 after one quarter. Gibault (10-4) battled back with a strong third quarter, but it was not enough in a 54-46 defeat.

Davis led the way with 22 points in the final and was named tourney MVP, joining Deterding and Rueter on the all-tourney team.