DELTA, SCOTT COUNTY CENTRAL FALL SHORT IN 1A QUARTERFINALS

CABOOL -- It was not a good night for area basketball teams here Saturday as they competed in Class 1A state quarterfinal games.

Scott County Central's girls were routed by Norwood 70-41, then Delta's boys suffered a 57-45 setback at the hands of Fordland.

So both local squads saw their seasons end just one victory short of the Class 1A Final Four. Instead, Norwood and Fordland will advance to state semifinal competition next Friday in Columbia.

Delta fell behind from the start, got into serious first-half foul trouble and never could catch up to Fordland, which will be making its first-ever final four appearance.

The Bobcats, who finished the season with a 22-8 record, were led by senior standouts Garrett DeBrock and Shawn Kinder with 15 and 13 points, respectively.

Fordland (21-7) got 19 points from Cody Myler and 15 from Justin Kensinger.

The Eagles, who led throughout, were ahead 15-6 after one quarter, 21-17 at halftime and 38-33 after three quarters. Delta hung close for most of the final period before Fordland pulled away down the stretch.

Scott County Central was simply no match for powerful Norwood, which led 18-6 after one quarter and 33-16 at halftime.

The Bravettes (18-12) were paced by Vontrice Blackmon with 11 points. The Lady Pirates (24-5) got 24 from Tracey Cole and 18 from Lacey Shelton.

* In 2A quarterfinal action in Park Hills, Portageville's boys won while East Carter County's girls lost.

Portageville (24-4) qualified for the 2A Final Four by beating Lutheran North of St. Louis (23-8) 79-66.

Gerald Picking scored 20 points for the Bulldogs while Richie Garmon had 18. Portageville trailed 31-30 at halftime but led 55-50 after three quarters.

East Carter (25-3) fell to John Burroughs of St. Louis (27-4) 56-35. Kara Phillips had 13 points for East Carter.