Defending state champions are in good position

Defending Class 1 state champion Bell City is off to the kind of start David Heeb expected of his Cubs.

And even though the Cubs are making mistakes and have a loss in the books already, Heeb said his team is right where it should be entering the seMissourian Christmas Tournament as the No. 6 seed.

"We got seeded where we belong," Heeb said.

The Cubs will play No. 11 Woodland in the opening round.

"We're playing better than we were a year ago at this time," Heeb says. "I'm very pleased."

Heeb said this year's tournament features enough top-level teams that every game will be a test.

"This is as good a Christmas tournament I've been in since I've been coaching," said Heeb, in his third year at Bell City. "You would think that No. 6 seed playing the No. 11 seed would be a walk-through for the sixth seed. But it won't be."

The Cubs are led by two returning all-state players. Senior guard Eric Henry averages 24 points and 14 rebounds a contest and recently eclipsed the 1,500-point mark. Teammate Dominitrix Johnson, a second-team all-stater last season, also has big numbers and averages 24 points, eight rebounds and six assists per game.

Kenyon Wright averages 10 points per game.

With an experienced state-championship team returning, Heeb said his team won't have any trouble adjusting to a big-game environment at the Show Me Center.

"Playing there shouldn't be a problem," Heeb said. "The hardest thing about this tournament is playing for three or four days in a row after eating all that turkey at Christmas."

The Cubs' goal is to play all four nights and be in line for a shot at the championship.

"We're capable of beating anyone if we play our game," Heeb said. "We're excited about getting to play some good teams, and it gives us a chance to see where we are. Every team needs to be tested, and this tournament is an excellent chance for that."