East Prairie sprints to big win over Oak Ridge

EAST PRAIRIE, Mo. — Exploiting its speed advantage, East Prairie raced past Oak Ridge, claiming a 77-59 win in a Scott-Mississippi Conference matchup on Friday, Dec. 15.

The Eagles (6-1) constant movement kept the Bluejays’ (4-2) defender flat-footed, creating passing lanes and scoring opportunities throughout the contest.

“We played well,” said East Prairie coach Gary Scott. “We were able to attack against Oak Ridge’s box-and-one defense. We got several different good shots at the rim. Anytime we get the chance to run, we want to go. We have some guys who can get down the court. We did a good job of pushing it when we needed to and beating them down the court.”

East Prairie's student section celebrates during a 77-59 win over Oak Ridge on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

East Prairie raced out to a 7-3 lead, fueled by Ty Wallace’s baseline drive, Kamron Farmer’s sharpshooting, and Noah Johnson’s free throws.

The Eagles maintained their momentum, expanding the lead to eight points before the Bluejays’ Konnor Hobeck attempted a desperation shot at the buzzer, trimming the margin to 19-14 heading into the second quarter.

East Prairie tightened their grip in the second quarter, stretching the lead to 36-24 at halftime. A crucial steal and layup by Wallace, a timely three-pointer from Farmer, and free throws from Braylan Cade closed out the half for the Eagles.

East Prairie's Ty Wallace (1) shoots during a 77-59 win over Oak Ridge on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

“The keys for us were just being patient,” Scott said. “We ran our offense, hit the open guy and took good shots.”

Wallace’s coast-to-coast brilliance in the third quarter put East Prairie up by 20. They didn’t let up in the fourth, with Farmer’s long-range bomb pushing the lead to its peak of 29 points (70-41) before closing out a commanding victory.

Johnson led the way for the Eagles with 20 points. Others to reach double digits for East Prairie were Famer (17), Wallace (15) and Connor Marcum (11).

Oak Ridge's Konnor Hobeck (30) stands for a photo after hitting the 1,000-point milestone during a 77-59 loss at East Prairie on Friday, DEc. 15, 2023.Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Oak Ridge’s Ty Wilson finished with a game-high 34 points, while Konnor Hobeck scored the 1,000th point of his high school career on a made free throw with 2:29 left in the game.

East Prairie received the No. 2 seed and will take on No. 15 seed Doniphan (3-4) in the opening round of the Bloomfield Christmas Tournament on Tuesday, Dec. 26 at 3:45 p.m.

Oak Ridge received the No. 7 seed in the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament and will face No. 10 seeded Leopold (3-4) on Tuesday, Dec. 26 at 7:30 p.m.

__EAST PRAIRIE 77, OAK RIDGE 59__

Oak Ridge 14 10 17 18 — 59

East Prairie 19 17 24 17 — 77

Oak Ridge (59) — Ty Wilson 34, Konnor Hobeck 16, Brook Hobeck 5, Karson Ward 4. FG: 22. FT: 12-23. F: 19. (3-pointers: Konner Hobeck 2, Ward 1. Fouled out: none).

East Prairie (77) — Noah Johnson 20, Kamron Farmer 17, Ty Wallace 15, Connor Marcum 11, Evan Kenedy 9, Braylan Cade 5. FG: 29. FT: 16-26. F: 16. (3-pointers: Farmer 2, Wallace 1, Marcum 2. Fouled out: none).