CELINA-Local brothers Jimmy and Lance Burchett claimed their second-straight Kevin Watson-Johnny Rich Memorial Bass Tournament title here Saturday night at the 16th annual event staged at Cedar Hill Marina to benefit scholarships given to local students in the men’s honor.

The Burchett brothers won this year’s five-fish limit tournament by well over a pound with a total of 17.73 pounds, including a nearly four-pound smallmouth over 21 inches long—which won the big-smallmouth side pot worth $545.

Fishing the night before Father’s Day, the younger Burchett’s were joined by their dad Brent at the event, who served as his sons’ designated net man for the second-consecutive year.

Besides their big bronze back, the Burchett’s entire sack was solid, which handed them the championship by a wide margin over the 43 other boats competing.

Coming in second was the team of Brandon and Olivia Key, and Stone Lynn, who were fishing in the late Charlie Key’s honor.

The trio finished with a limit of largemouth tipping the scales at 16.42 pounds, while Brandon’s father Jerry Key and Rexel Short finished a close third with 16.32 pounds.

While locals made up the top three, Cookeville’s Landon Davidson and Lucas Medlen pocketed the big-largemouth award worth $545 with a 4.26-pound lunker, and they also finished fourth with a total of 16.22 pounds.

Rounding out the top five was local father-and-son duo Alan and Carson Sharp with 15.50 pounds, while natives Jerry Arms and Doc Short finished sixth with 15.40 pounds.

Tied for seventh with 15.36 pounds were a pair of three-man local teams.

Father and son Steven and Keaton Arms, and Anthony Murdoch made up the first one, while father and son Steve and Stacy Smith, and Brandon Cross comprised the other.

Fishing in ninth place was another local team consisting of Alec Kerr, Lincoln Watson, and Joseph Marcom, who weighed in 15.22 pounds, and the 10th-place finishers also have local ties.

Jack and Max Roberts, sons of Celina native John Roberts, claimed the 10th spot with 15.03 pounds.

A total of 10 other boats had over 13 pounds, and nearly 30 weighed in a five-fish limit, as the night bite turned on for the mass of anglers.

A good crowd of other supporters joined the participants over an hour before blast-off to partake in a fish-fry meal prepared by volunteers, while enjoying camaraderie among themselves and remembrances of the honorees.

The event has averaged well over 40 boats for years now, including a record field of 49 last year.

“The guys we honor with this were friends to everybody, and it’s great to see all these people out here every year supporting the cause to honor Kevin and Johnny through these scholarships,” organizers said.  “A turnout like this each and every year is a testament to the character those guys always displayed.”

Organizers expressed their gratitude to all involved, including those who provided the trophies, the food preparers, donors, and others.

“It always takes a great team-effort to accomplish this,” they said, “and we are already looking forward to next year.”

See a future HORIZON for updates on other night tournaments continuing on Dale Hollow Lake throughout the summer, including the latest Star Point Saturday night results and others.