The Chants opened up the holiday tournament at North Central with a loss to the Sturt Broncos. The game was a defensive battle with both teams struggling from the field. The Chants were able to take 8-7 lead after the first quarter but that would be there last lead as the defensive battle continued. With the Broncos hitting a 3 at the buzzer to take 20-12 lead into the half. The Chants would claw back but never get over the hump vs the Broncos. The Chants made the game a one possession game many times but could not get past the 24 turnovers and 1-12 from 3. “Give them credit for forcing us into some mistakes but we also didn’t take care of the ball like we need to.” Coach Gates said. Hayden Grint had 14 points, 6 blocks and 16 rebounds for the Chants. The Chants tried to rally in the last two minutes but fell short 39-34.
On New Years Eve the Chants took on the North Central Knights. The game opened up with the teams tied after the 1st quarter. In the 2nd quarter the Chants would open a 29-21 lead. The Chants would stretch the lead in the 3rd quarter and start of 4th quarter to a 19 point lead. The Knight would try to rally in the last six minutes. The Knights would tie the game with a minute left before the Chants would take the lead back. The Knight would have an attempt at the buzzer to win the game but it would not go in and the Chants would escape with a win over the Knights on their home court. “We played a pretty good game but we didn't finish the game well and that left the door open for them and they were good enough to make that a very interesting ending.” Coach Gates said after. The Chants were led by Hayden Grint who had 16 points and 10 rebounds in the win. Solomon Campise chipped in 15 points for the Chants. The Chants will host conference foe Gibbon on Friday before taking on CWC on Saturday.