Defending state champ Bell City wins in a rout

Playing four games in four days is a good way to test a team's meddle.

For the Bell City Cubs, the defending Class 1 state champions, the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament should give the team a good idea where it stands as it goes into the second month of the season.

If Monday's opening round game against Woodland at the Show Me Center was any indication, the young Bell City squad is progressing on schedule. Fifth-seeded Bell City routed the No. 12 Cardinals 72-31, with a game-high 21 points coming from freshman D.D. Gillespie.

"I think we're working really hard, and that's what you need to do to get better," Cubs coach David Heeb said.

Despite limited practice time over the last week due to the inclement weather, the Cubs came out with a torrid pace. Gillespie scored Bell City's first 11 points, and Bell City led by as much as 17 points before finishing the first quarter with a 26-11 lead.

"I was kind of shocked how well we played in the first quarter," Heeb said.

Bell City (6-2) did not look back from its strong start, cruising the rest of the way. Gillespie had 19 by halftime and played sparingly in the second half. Jeff Liggins added 14 points for the Cubs. Blaine Stewart scored 11.

Cody McCraw led the Cardinals (3-5) with 13 points.

"I think when D.D. starts playing well every night, he's going to make everyone better the way Dom [Dominitrix Johnson] did," Heeb said.

With their opener behind them, the Cubs will now face No. 4 Central. The Cubs and Tigers will play at 9 p.m. tonight in a quarterfinal game. This will be the second straight year the Class 1 Cubs take on a Class 5 school. Bell City fell to Jackson in the quarterfinals last year.

"I think that's what's great about this tournament. It gives teams a chance to play someone you might not play on your regular schedule," Heeb said. "It gives you a chance to match up and see how you stand with the big boys."

The Cubs are hoping day two will go as well as day one, but more importantly, they are hoping they can end day four better than they started on day one.

"Right now we're just talking about getting better every day," Heeb said.

Bell City 72, Woodland 31

Woodland 11 6 11 3 -- 31

Bell City 26 12 21 13 -- 72

WOODLAND (31) -- Cody McCraw 13, Seth Gaines 6, Nick Hendricks 3, Brandon Masters 3, Zack Winchester 3, Kenny Massa 1, Chantz Barham 2. FG 10, FT 8-18, F 17 (3-pointers: McCraw 3. Fouled out: none)

BELL CITY (72) -- D.D. Gillespie 21, Jeff Liggins 14, Nick Niemczyk 4, Blaine Stewart 11, Austin Segers 8, Garrett McIntyre 5, Phillip Gross 5, Cody Bailey 4. FG 30, FT 7-20, F 14 (3-pointers: Stewart 3, Gillespie 1, Niemczyk 1, Segers 1. Fouled out: none)