Ellington girls beat Twin Rivers in Indiana

KNIGHTSTOWN, Indiana — Kaylee King scored a game-high 39 points to lead the Ellington Lady Whippets past the Twin Rivers Lady Royals in the gymnasium made famous by the 1987 movie “Hoosiers.”

It was the second 39-point performance by King, who also scored 39 to lead Ellington to a win at East Carter on Tuesday.

“It was a great experience for our girls and everyone involved,” Ellington head coach David Burrows said. “We played hard and enjoyed every moment of the day. The hospitality of the people that run the gym were amazing. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience and opportunity.”

Twin Rivers was led by Carly Johnson (16 points) and Reese Crismon (eight).

“Super proud of the effort of the team today,” Twin Rivers head coach David Crockett said. “We shot the ball better, defended better, and gave ourselves a chance. We never give up.”

South Iron 46, Clearwater 35

At Annapolis, the visiting Lady Tigers came up short against host South Iron

Clearwater was led by Makinlee Keister with 18 points.

“The girls came out hard, but got in foul trouble late,” Clearwater coach Lexi Morris “They hustled and I’m so proud of the improvements they showed.”

South Iron was led by Allie Martin with 14 points, while Paige Taft and Rena Miller added 12 apiece.

Lesterville 60, Puxico 28

At Puxico, the host Lady Indians were handed a 32-point loss by Lesterville.

Puxico was led by Laney Porter with 10 points.

Lesterville was led by Reese Gray (20 points) and Grace Hicks (14).

BOYS

Cape Central 65, Dexter 43

At Cape Girardeau, the host Tigers opened the home portion of their schedule with a win over the Bearcats on Friday.

The Tigers jumped out to a 10-2 lead early in the first, but Dexter was able to keep the game close thanks to some hot shooting from Truman Kropf.

Cape led 33-31 at the half but was able to expand its lead to 42-36 heading to the fourth quarter.

The fourth saw the Tigers score the first 13 points and put the game out of reach before winning 65-43.

Cape Central was led by Cam Williams who had a game-high 26 points. Jaydon Reynolds posted a 20-point night as well in the win.

Cole Nichols led the charge on offense for Dexter, scoring 20 points with two made 3s. Kropf had 11 points in the loss for the Bearcats.

East Prairie 72, Bloomfield 38

At East Prairie, the visiting Wildcats fell to the Eagles.

Bloomfield was led by Caleb Upchurch (10 points) and Hunter Moore (nine) as leading scorers for the night.

East Prairie was led by Wyatt Williams (20 points) and Connor Marcum (15) in the win.

Neelyville 71, Naylor 54

At Naylor, the host Eagles lost to Highway 142 rival Neelyville

Preston Johnson led Naylor with 13 points, while Damian Thilman added 12

South Iron 68, Clearwater 39

At Annapolis, Clearwater could not get over the hump against the top-ranked team in Class 1.

“We ran out of gas as we played Bunker, the No. 2 ranked team in Class 1, last night on the road and then played South Iron, the No. 1-ranked team in Class 1, again on the road in less than 24 hours.” Clearwater coach Zac Moore said. “I am proud of the kids’ efforts.”

Clearwater was led by Charles Robbins (10 points) and Keegan Gracie (seven).

South Iron was led by Martez Borse (22 points).

Malden 76, South Pemiscot 59

At Steele, the visiting Green Wave earned the win over the host Bulldogs.

Quamareous Farmer (23 points) and Marcus Burton (20) led Malden to the win.

“We didn’t come out and guard the ball like we should have,” Malden coach Mike Kilgore said. “The freshman…and the rest of the team on South Pemiscot came out like I knew they could and had their way. We came to play in the fourth quarter and found a way to sneak out with the win.

“From here on out, every night will be a battle and we have to come with our war clothes on because the other teams are coming for us. Every small aspect of the game will be important for the rest of the season, but I’m proud of the team for finishing the game the right way.”

Puxico 60, Clarkton 37

At Clarkton, the visiting Indians earn the big win with against the Reindeer.

Puxico’s Scyler Zimmerman helped lead the team with scoring 19 points.

“We played well defensively in the 1st and 3rd quarters and rebounded well,” said coach Bryant Fernetti. “It was a good team win.”

Clarkton was led by Owen Morgan (12 points) and Amauri Garman (11).

“Puxico’s length really gave us fits.” Clarkton coach Cole McBroom said. “They have a good team and got after it tonight. I thought we played a little selfishly at times tonight, but we have to move forward.”

Clay Herrell of the Southeast Missourian provided some of the information for this story.