The Delavan Varsity Panthers weathered a demanding three game stretch at the 2026 ICAC Basketball Tournament this week, opening with two tough losses before closing the weekend with a resounding, confidence building victory that showcased their resilience, depth, and defensive grit.

Slow Start: Panthers Fall to Peoria Heights, 60–44

Delavan opened tournament play on Tuesday, January 13, against a sharp Peoria Heights squad that capitalized on transition opportunities and late game momentum to pull away for a 60–44 win.

Despite the loss, the Panthers saw strong individual performances.

Corie Green delivered a standout 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, keeping Delavan competitive through the middle quarters.

Hudson Briggs added 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists, orchestrating the offense and pushing the tempo whenever the Panthers found daylight.

Peoria Heights’ pressure defense, however, proved difficult to overcome down the stretch.

Another Setback: Illini Bluffs Tops Delavan, 47–31

On Friday, January 16, the Panthers faced the Illini Bluffs Tigers and once again found themselves on the wrong side of a 16 point margin, falling 47–31.

Delavan’s defense kept the game within reach for much of the night, but scoring droughts and late turnovers allowed the Tigers to maintain control.

Key contributions included:

Hunter Lusher with 6 rebounds, battling inside against a physical Tigers frontcourt.

Hudson Briggs adding 5 boards, steady as ever on both ends.

Grady Burrell distributing effectively with 3 assists.

Corie Green continuing his defensive excellence with 5 steals, disrupting passing lanes and sparking several fast break chances.

A Roaring Response: Delavan Defeats ROWVA Williamsfield, 65–50

Saturday brought a different Panthers team to the floor—one playing with urgency, cohesion, and a renewed defensive edge. Delavan controlled the pace from the opening tip and powered to a 65–50 win over ROWVA Williamsfield, closing the tournament on a high note.

The stat sheet told the story of a team determined to turn the tide:

Hunter Lusher dominated the interior with a double double, pulling down 14 rebounds and grabbing 4 steals, a force on both the glass and the perimeter.

Grady Burrell added 7 rebounds and 3 assists, providing stability and smart decision making.

Hudson Briggs hauled in 7 rebounds, continuing his all around impact.

But the highlight of the night—and arguably the tournament—came on a defensive sequence that electrified the Delavan bench. Midway through the second half, Briggs read a ROWVA pass perfectly, swatting it cleanly into open space on the Cougars’ side of the court. Before the crowd could react, Lusher scooped up the loose ball and sprinted the length of the floor, finishing with a smooth, uncontested layup that swung momentum firmly in Delavan’s favor.