Bell City captures Class 1 state title

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Bell City's boys basketball team wrapped up its second Class 1 state title in three years with a 74-62 win over St. Elizabeth on Saturday night at the Hearnes Center.

Bell City senior star guard Dominitrix Johnson put on the top show of the day, scoring 40 points as he nearly singlehandedly carried the Cubs to victory.

After a nip and tuck first three quarters, Bell City (29-4) picked up its defensive intensity in the fourth quarter and was able to win going away.

Bell City had to rely on Johnson without strong performances from seniors Randy Conn and Zak McIntyre. McIntyre fouled out with five minutes left in the fourth quarter after scoring only three points. Conn only managed six points.

But the seniors were picked up by sophomore Jeff Liggins, who finished with 13 points.

St. Elizabeth (22-9) continued to hang around after three quarters, trailing only 55-50 going into the final period.

Johnson continued to lead the way for the Cubs, scoring eight of their 13 points in the third quarter to raise his total to 31 points entering the final period.

Bell City could not shake the Hornets in the first half despite the best efforts of Johnson, who scored 23 points as the Cubs led 42-40 at the intermission.

St. Elizabeth was led by Craig Luetkemeyer with 17 points.