C3D1 BKB: Portageville edges Caruthersville in dramatic finish

PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. — Controversy and clutch plays defined the final seconds of Portageville’s 75-74 victory over Caruthersville in a MSHSAA Class 3 District 1 Tournament opener on Tuesday, Feb. 20, as a technical foul for a premature celebration became the turning point in a stunning finish.

"Our kids battled with everything they had," said Portageville coach TJ Smith. "Both teams competed to the end; it was a phenomenal basketball game."

The fifth-seeded Tigers (14-12) trailed by two points but appeared to snatch the victory away when Sammy Bryant hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with just six seconds left. However, the fourth-seeded Bulldogs (17-10) immediately inbounded the ball, only for a player to be tripped and lose possession. With 2.7 seconds remaining, the ball went out of bounds, seemingly sealing a devastating turnover.

In the ensuing confusion, a Caruthersville player not in uniform mistakenly rushed the court, thinking the game was over. This premature celebration resulted in a game-changing technical foul.

Xayvion Bogan calmly sank both free throws for Portageville, regaining a one-point lead. The Bulldogs, still in possession, were then intentionally fouled with 0.6 seconds remaining, essentially sealing the victory. Caruthersville's final desperation heave at the buzzer was unsuccessful.

"We never gave up, even when they hit us with big runs," coach Smith emphasized. "We caught a break at the end, and Xayvion Bogan deserves immense credit for hitting two absolutely crucial free throws."

Jamarion Smith led the Bulldogs’ offensive effort with 24 points, followed by Bogan's 20 and 10 from Aaron Dunlap. 

Coach Smith praised the team’s ability to respond under pressure, "We typically don't like playing in the 70s, but their kids did a great job attacking us. I was proud of our ability to take care of the ball and score."

Portageville now faces the ultimate challenge in the semifinals – the Class 3 No. 1 ranked, defending state champion, top-seeded New Madrid County Central Eagles (22-3) on Thursday, Feb. 22 at 6 p.m.

“Now we move on to the daunting task of NMCC, and I’ll ask of them what I do every game,” coach Smith concluded. 

The loss concludes a turbulent season for Caruthersville, one marked by controversy both on and off the court.

__PORTAGEVILLE 75, CARUTHERSVILLE 74__

C’Ville 17 14 18 25 — 74

P’Ville 14 18 20 23 — 75

Caruthersville (74) — Sammy Bryant 26, Jermonte Alexander 17, Quawnterrious McVay 15, Abeyon Motton 8, Gavin Motton 4, Colbe Sergant 2. FG: 30. FT: 10-20. F: 22. (3-pointers: Bryant 3, Alexander 1. Fouled out: Gavin Motton, McVay.)

Portageville (75) — Jamarion Smith 24, Xayvion Bogan 20, Aaron Dunlap 10, Connor Jeffries 8, Brandon West 5, AJ Larry 4, Mason Adams 4. FG: 27. FT: 18-27. F: 14. (3-pointers: Smith 2, West 1. Fouled out: None.)