Donettes lock up OFC, go to 16-0

NEELYVILLE — The Doniphan Donettes claimed the regular-season championship in the Ozark Foothills Conference Friday night with a 63-36 road victory over the Neelyville Lady Tigers.

Doniphan extended its undefeated season record to 16-0 and claimed the OFC championship for their fourth consecutive year.

“I am just crazy proud of this group of girls and how they have come together,” Doniphan coach Adam Epps said. “OFC regular-season champs was one of our big goals.”

Neelyville (7-8) actually led 9-8 at the end of the first quarter, but the Donettes outscored the Lady Tigers 12-8 in the second quarter to take a 20-17 lead at the half.

The second half, however, was all Doniphan. The Donettes outscored Neelyville 23-10 in the third quarter and 20-9 in the fourth for the runaway victory.

Doniphan senior Kenzie Reedus led all scorers with a game-high 22 points. Freshmen Carsyn Hagood and Kensey Killian contributed 14 and 11 points, respectively, in the win.

Neelyville’s top scorer was senior Layni Dobbins with 12 points.

“Next we are going to lock in on some key big-time games, including a district matchup to determine the number one seed,” Epps said. “OFC tournament is coming up next on the list, and we have to get ready for districts.”

The next game for the Donettes is back home on Wednesday against the 10-6 Notre Dame Bulldogs from Cape Girardeau.

BOYS Saxony Lutheran 75, Doniphan 33

At Jackson, the host Crusaders raced out to a big lead and never let up as they dominated the visiting Dons.

Saxony Lutheran led 22-12 after the opening period and extended its lead to 39-17 at halftime.

“Saxony is a very good team,” Doniphan coach Hunter Dilbeck said. “They came out of the gates and hit us in the mouth from the opening tip.”

Saxony Lutheran continued to build its lead in the second half, stretching their advantage to 62-28 after the third quarter and outscoring the Dons 13-5 in the final frame.

“Defensively, we didn’t have an answer for them, especially with some key players getting into foul trouble,” Dilbeck said.

Crusaders senior Jonathan Hartmann led all scorers with a game-high 26 points. Doniphan’s top scorer was sophomore Corey Hagood with 10 points.

Doniphan falls to 4-11 with the loss and will host Neelyville on Tuesday.

SCAA Tournament Woodland 76, Bloomfield 55

At Bloomfield, the host Wildcats and Woodland played a tight contest before the Cardinals pulled away late.

Woodland led 20-17 after the opening period and 35-33 at the intermission, but outscored Bloomfield 23-15 in the third period to lead 58-48 going to the fourth quarter. The Cardinals outscored Bloomfield 18-7 in the final eight minutes to win going away.

Lucas Dowdy led the Wildcats with 19 points, while Caleb Upchurch added 16 and Kayden Craft finished with 10.