Armstrong earns MVP as Cortland varsity boys basketball wins Holiday Tournament

Cortland varsity boys basketball team wins the Holiday Tournament.

It was an exciting championship game to end this year’s Cortland Holiday Tournament, as the Cortland varsity boys basketball team defeated Moravia 51-43. 

It was a close game from the very beginning with both the Cortland Tigers and the Moravia Blue Devils taking shots at each other throughout the game. 

The Tigers were able to get a 12-9 lead at the end of the opening quarter, but would end the first half trailing by three (20-23). 

“We knew that Moravia lives and dies by the three point line and our challenge tonight was to contain any dribble penetration and kick-outs to close out hard,” said Cortland Head Coach Jeremy Milligan. “We played some good defense and closed out well.”

Both teams were able to keep their offense and defense of pressure at the beginning of the second half. However, Cortland would then take an edge in the third quarter; as junior Noah Armstrong would sink three 3-pointers in the quarter and give the Tigers a 37-31 lead. 

“My teammates passed me the ball in the right situation and realized I was hot and I was able to finish,” said Armstrong. “We wanted to keep the momentum and control the game to our pace.” 

Armstrong would finish the game with a total of 23-points. 

The Tigers would then dominate in the final quarter to close out the game and leave Moravia with no other choice than to foul with less than a minute left.

“After we played those three overtimes (against Fowler) earlier in the season, we are now used to having close games; and I think that we did a lot better this time around,” said Cortland senior guard Ethan Myers. 

At the end of the Tournament Myers was one of the few players that were named into the Team of the Tournament. 

“I was really surprised and honored, because we played well as a team and there were a couple of players who have been playing really well offensively,” said Myers. “I try to focus on defense and let my teammates do their thing on offense. I pass to them to put them in a good spot and on defense I try to help motivate us so that we can play good.” 

Armstrong was also recognized at the end of the Tournament, as he would be named the MVP (Most Valuable Player) of the Tournament 

“I feel honored being the MVP of the tournament,” said Armstrong. “I think we played really well as a team. I just like setting my teammates up with the best possible situation for us to win games.”

Here are some more photos of last night's game: