Area players end big season on all-state list

State championships aren't won by accident.

It takes hard work, perseverance and a little luck.

Some all-state talent doesn't hurt either.

Class 1A boys state champion Bell City and Class 2A girls state champion Notre Dame combined for five all-state selections with today's release of the Missouri Sportswriters and Sportscasters All-State Basketball Team.

Bell City junior Eric Henry and Notre Dame senior Deana McCormick were awarded first-team status. Two of Henry's teammates, senior C.J. Hadley and sophomore Dominitrix Johnson, are on the 1A second team. Notre Dame senior Lisa Millham is also a member of the 2A second team.

Both teams' coaches were honored after each captured his first state title with a school-record 29th win. David Heeb, in his second year at Bell City, was selected the 1A boys coach of the year after leading the Cubs to a 29-5 record. Jerry Grim, in his 20th year at Notre Dame, was honored as the 2A girls coach of the year after guiding the Bulldogs to a 29-2 mark.

Other players in the immediate area to attract state honors were sophomore Loren Groves of Scott City, 2A second team, senior Maria Eftink of Oran, 1A second team, and senior Heath Stephens of Marquand, 1A second team.

Other players from Southeast Missouri to receive recognition were Jarrett Bonard of Clearwater (2A second team), Sherome Cole of Richland (1A first team), Jordy Mixon of Charleston (2A second team), Bryant Rogers of Caruthersville (2A first team), Katie Taylor of Bismarck (2A second team) and Chad Middleton of South Iron (1A second team).

The Class 3A-4A teams will be released Thursday. -- Jeff Breer

GOLF

Notre Dame meet

JACKSON, Mo. -- Notre Dame opened its golf season under cold, wet conditions on Tuesday but was rewarded with a 22-stroke victory in a five-team meet at Bent Creek Golf Course.

Notre Dame senior Tim Buerck was the medalist with a 4-over 40 on the front nine. The Bulldogs finished with a 167 total, well ahead of runner-up Bloomfield (189).

Buerck's teammate Adam Fenwick finished alone in second with a 41.

Notre Dame will host a 13-team invitational today at Bent Creek.

BOYS' TENNIS

Central 8, Charleston 1

Central won all but one singles match as it belatedly opened its season with a victory over Charleston at the Southeast Missouri State tennis courts.

The Tigers' first two matches of the season were canceled because of inclement weather.

The Tigers' JV won 4-0.

-- From staff reports