CAPE CENTRAL BOYS DROP OPENER

NEW MADRID -- Cape Central boys basketball team opened its season with a 63-51 loss to Memphis East Saturday afternoon in the New Madrid River Bend Classic.

Kelly Illers scored a game-high 22 points for Central and Donnie McClinton added 15.

Raynardo Curry, 20 points, and Jason Tunstull, led Memphis East's attack.

Cape Central led 11-10 after one quarter but was outscored 18-8 in the second quarter as Memphis East opened a 28-19 halftime lead.

Memphis East held a 19-18 scoring edge in the third quarter to take a 10-point cushion, 47-37, into the fourth quarter. Central was outscored 16-14 over the final eight minutes.

"They were very athletic, put a lot of pressure on us and forced us to make 23 turnovers," said Cape Central coach Brett Reutzel. "I was very proud. Our player competed very hard against a very formidable opponent."

Central return to action Tuesday when it visits Notre Dame.