McMichael Hits 1,000-Point Milestone as Archers Battle Through Route 49 Classic

The annual Route 49 Boys Basketball Tournament returned to Edon on December 29–30, bringing together Antwerp, Edon, Edgerton, and Hicksville for two nights of competitive play. On the opening night, December 29, Antwerp pushed host Edon to the wire before falling 58–57 in a tightly contested matchup. The Archers led 12–10 after the first quarter, but Edon used a strong second- and third-quarter surge to gain momentum and held off a late Antwerp rally. Zaine McMichael led Antwerp with 23 points, while Hampton Rogge added 10 and Weston Rhonehouse and Noah Lucas scored eight apiece. Edon was paced by Gallahue with 21 points and  Chrisman with 16. Antwerp picked up a win in the junior varsity game, defeating Edon 52–47.

Tournament play concluded on December 30 with Antwerp facing Hicksville. Hicksville built an early lead and maintained control for a 60–52 victory, using balanced scoring throughout the night. McMichael again led the Archers with 25 points, with Rhonehouse adding 15 and Brayden Fuller and Hampton Rogge with six each. Hicksville was led by Tribble with 18 points and Eicher with 15 to claim the Route 49 win. Antwerp closed the tournament with another junior varsity win, defeating Hicksville 50–40, for a JV Tournament championship for the Archers. During the tournament, McMichael reached the 1,000-point milestone for his varsity career, a significant achievement that earned the senior a spot on the Route 49 All-Tournament Team.

Following the Antwerp/Hicksville game was the final match of Edgerton routing Edon for the tournament win 62-57.