Bell City on verge of becoming dynasty

After years of domination in Class 1 boys basketball -- primarily by Scott County Central -- Southeast Missouri went eight years without a state title.

In 2002, the Bell City Cubs brought the Class 1 state title back to Southeast Missouri, and in the process started what could be another small-school dynasty.

The Cubs owe much of their success to Scott County Central. From Dominitrix Johnson, a transfer from Scott County, to coach David Heeb, a disciple of Braves coach Ronnie Cookson, Bell City's squads showed similarities to the Braves' teams of the 1980s and early 1990s.

The Cubs' 2002 squad had three all-state performers in senior C.J. Hadley, junior Eric Henry and sophomore Johnson. The three players' star power was simply too much for the rest of the state, leading Bell City to a 29-5 record, including an 88-68 victory against Santa Fe in the championship game.

After a disappointing sectional loss in 2003, Bell City picked itself up in 2004 and won its second championship in three years for Heeb. Johnson capped his senior season by pouring in 40 points in the championship game, while the Cubs beat St. Elizabeth 74-62.