Edon opens Route 49 Tournament with win over Antwerp; Edgerton edges Hicksville

The annual High School Girls Route 49 Basketball Tournament tipped off Monday night, December 22 at the Hicksville gym, bringing together schools along State Route 49 — Antwerp, Hicksville, Edon, and Edgerton — in a pre-Christmas tradition that returns each season.

In the opening game of the tournament, Edon pulled away from Antwerp for a 48-30 victory. The Bombers set the tone early, holding a 15-12 edge after the first quarter and extending the lead to 27-22 at halftime. A strong defensive effort in the second half limited Antwerp to just eight total points over the final two quarters as Edon steadily widened the margin.

Edon was led by Nevaeh Smith, who finished with a game-high 14 points. Balanced scoring also came from Genna Ripke with seven points, along with Grace Ripke, Adison Briner, and Addi Snyder, who each added six or seven points in the win. The Bombers finished with 18 field goals and nine free throws.

Antwerp was paced by Aliyah Friend, who scored 15 of the Archers’ 30 points. Briley Bagley added five points, while Raeley Franklin chipped in six. Despite staying close through the first half, Antwerp struggled offensively against Edon’s pressure defense after the break.

The nightcap featured a tightly contested matchup between Edgerton and Hicksville, with the Bulldogs coming away with a 40-34 win over the Aces.

Tournament play continues following the holiday, as the Route 49 schools compete once again in the Boys division for local bragging rights in this longstanding seasonal event.