Cubs, Braves players leave impression

~ Both boys teams had two players selected all-state; Notre Dame's Hale voted coach of the year in Class 4.

Class 1 boys basketball rivals Bell City and Scott County Central led the area with two players apiece on the Missouri Sportswriters and Sportscasters all-state basketball teams, which were released today.

The Cubs and Braves split four meetings this season, but Bell City came out on top when it counted. Bell City beat Scott County in the sectional round for the fourth straight year en route to its second straight runner-up finish.

Bell City senior Will Bogan earned first-team all-state honors for the second straight year. Bogan, a 6-foot-10 center, averaged 22 points and 15 rebounds a game for the Cubs. Cubs junior guard Nick Niemczyk earned second-team honors after averaging 19 points a game.

Caleb Johnson earned first-team honors for the Braves after averaging 19.5 points and 11 rebounds a game. The junior forward added two assists and two steals a game. Sophomore forward Drew Thomas earned second-team honors after averaging 21 points and eight rebounds a game.

Despite falling in the sectional round, the Braves were ranked No. 4 in the final state poll. Bell City was ranked No. 2 behind state champion Jefferson.

Notre Dame junior Ryan Willen made the first team in Class 4 after leading the Bulldogs to a runner-up finish. He averaged 22 points and 10 rebounds a game for the Bulldogs.

Paul Hale earned coach of the year honors after leading a team which lost four starters from 2006 to the title game. Notre Dame finished ranked No. 2 behind champion Ruskin.

Advance senior Alex Steil earned second-team honors in Class 2. Steil averaged 18 points a game for the Hornets.

Girls basketball rivals Scott County Central and Delta each landed a player on the first team. Kaci Menz and Brittney Peet, both seniors, were honored.

Peet was a four-year starter for the Bravettes. Scott County upset Delta in the sectional round before falling to eventual state champion Walnut Grove in overtime in the quarterfinals. The Bravettes were ranked No. 4 in the final poll.

Menz helped Delta to an undefeated regular season. Delta (26-1) finished ranked No. 6.

Notre Dame senior Kristain Burger repeated as an all-state selection, earning first-team honors. Burger helped the Bulldogs capture a district title while averaging 19 points and 12 rebounds a game.

Kelly senior Brittany Ponder rounded out the area all-state players with a second-team selection. Kelly, which fell to eventual state champion Metro in the quarterfinals, was ranked No. 6 in the final poll.