EAGLES' SEASON ENDS IN SECTIONAL

POPLAR BLUFF -- The dream season for the Oran boys basketball team ended Wednesday night at the hands of a tough Thayer squad.

Oran fell behind 24-12 at halftime and could not catch up as Thayer posted a 47-41 Class 1A Sectional victory at Poplar Bluff High School.

The Eagles thus wind up their season with a 22-9 record.

Thayer improved to 23-6 and advances to Saturday's state quarterfinals.

Oran coach Mitch Wood said before Wednesday's game that he expected a tough contest and that the Eagles would have to play well to win.

Wood was right on the money because the Bobcats -- despite only five players seeing action the entire contest -- proved to be a formidable foe.

Joey Cushing, at 6-foot-6 Thayer's tallest player, led the Bobcats' scoring attack with 13 points. Scoring 10 points apiece were three players: John Mills, Josh Atkinson and Michael Smithson. Atkinson hit all three of Thayer's 3-point baskets.

Billy Loper and Travis Friga paced the Eagles with 12 points apiece. Daniel Wheeler added 11 points. Wheeler hit all three of Oran's 3-pointers.

Thayer jumped out to a 10-4 lead after the first quarter and the Bobcats went ahead 24-12 at halftime.

Oran valiantly tried to rally in the second half, outscoring Thayer 15-14 in the third quarter and 14-9 in the final period. But the Bobcats were able to hold on for the victory.