C6D1: Mules denied shot at title

KIRKWOOD, Missouri — A midway collapse ended the Poplar Bluff Mules’ boys basketball season with a semifinal exit in the MSHSAA Class 6 District 1 tournament Friday night.

The No. 1 seeded Kirkwood Pioneers meant business in the semifinals and proved to be too much for the Mules as they fell 66-38.

“We missed some opportunities to score in the second quarter,” Poplar Bluff coach William Durden said. “We made some good plays and gained a little momentum, but we just couldn’t stick with it, and the game got away from us.”

Both teams came out with a lot of energy as this matchup would determine a spot in the district championship. The Mules took off early offensively, but it wouldn’t last long with Kirkwood slowly finding the right moment to take over.

The Pioneers (24-2) dominated from behind the 3-point early and it helped them establish a quick lead, but with a few sharp plays, the Mules kept the gap close.

At the beginning of the second quarter, Kirkwood saw its window to strike and went on a 10-4 run within the first two minutes. The Mules held their composure as much as expected when an opposing team is lighting up the nets each possession.

The Mules trailed at the half 28-18, leaving a little hope for a comeback story.

Despite the hard effort on defense, it was the lack of offense that crushed the Mules in the second half. The game was decided in the third quarter as Kirkwood outscored the Mules 20-8 to gain the biggest lead of the night. The Mules made good plays in the second half, but could never turn the corner to make a big run.

Heading into the last period leading 48-26, Kirkwood continued to knock down daggers from behind the arc, and it electrified the home crowd after every made basket to keep the momentum rolling for the Pioneers.

With a large gap, the Pioneers rode out the clock to land a spot in the district championship.

Sophomore Brendan Durden led the Mules with 14 points, while junior Darius Graham added with 12.

Though disappointed in the outcome, coach Durden praised his seniors for the work they put in this season and hopes the returning players will follow suit for next season.

“This group of seniors will be severely missed because they’re just great teammates,” Durden said. “Those guys have done some great things for us, and it’s been fun coaching them these last four years.”

“I think they laid a foundation for these younger guys, especially with how hard they worked. Hopefully, some of that will rub off on the younger guys and if it does we’re going to be okay in the future,” he added.