Carrollton Repeats at Waverly Thanksgiving Tournament, Tops Auburn

Carrollton captured its second straight Waverly Thanksgiving Tournament championship with a 46 to 36 victory over Auburn on November 27, 2025, improving the Rangers to 5 and 0 on the season. The decisive stretch came in the third quarter when Carrollton produced a 10 to 2 run that turned a tight contest into a comfortable lead, and the team closed out the game with steady defense and balanced scoring from the roster.

Senior guard Hayden McMurtrie led Carrollton with a game high 22 points, carrying the offense during crucial possessions. Teammates chipped in on both ends of the floor, combining to limit Auburn’s scoring runs and convert opportunities off turnovers and rebounds. The collective effort underpinned a game plan that emphasized execution and team identity, a theme coaches and players highlighted after the win.

For Morgan County fans, the victory matters beyond the final score. A repeat tournament title and an unbeaten start strengthen the program’s reputation and can translate into greater community engagement on game nights. High school sports drive local activity, and a winning team often brings larger crowds, increased concession and facility revenues, and heightened interest among youth athletes considering the sport. Early season success also gives coaches a clearer picture of strengths to build on and weaknesses to address before the rigors of conference play.

Statistically, the 10 to 2 third quarter run and McMurtrie’s 22 points were the standout markers of Carrollton’s performance. Those indicators point to both offensive efficiency in spurts and an ability to execute defensively when the margin was in reach. Maintaining that balance will be key as the schedule tightens and opponents scout the Rangers’ tendencies.

Carrollton leaves Waverly with a tournament trophy and a clean record, but the team will need to sustain its defensive focus and shared scoring to remain a contender through December and into the season’s decisive stretches. For Morgan County, the Rangers’ start is a reminder of the role high school athletics play in community identity and local economic activity tied to sporting events.