IT'S TIME TO DO OR DIE IN PREP HOOPS; LADY MULES ARE TEAM TO BEAT IN TOUGH 4A, DISTRICT 1

As usual, the Class 4A, District 1 girls tournament is loaded.

Among the teams are No. 1 seed Poplar Bluff, ranked third in the state, second-seeded Cape Central No. 10 in 4A and perennial power Jackson, which is down somewhat this year but has gained momentum and respect down the stretch.

Farmington is not far behind at No. 4 and is capable of an upset, while fifth-seeded Sikeston doesn't figure to have much of a chance despite playing well against Cape Central last week.

Poplar Bluff, a recent loser to Doniphan which is ranked 10th in Class 3A, would have to be the favorite going in. But Cape Central is the only team in the state of Missouri other than Doniphan to beat the Lady Mules this year.

The Lady Tigers have not played well of late, recently needing two missed free throws at the buzzer to beat Perryville, a team Central beat by 30 points earlier this year. It also let Sikeston keep within striking distance for most of the game. Central's woes started with an insipid win over New Madrid. The very next game, Central lost to Jackson and though it hasn't lost since, the Lady Tigers (20-4) have struggled. Central rebounded somewhat Friday night, though, and handed a tough Nerinx Hall team a 54-47 loss.

"Friday night we played real well, probably best we've played since Notre Dame," said Cape Central coach Darrick Smith. "That was a real pick-me-up. To beat Nerinx Hall on their home floor was a good sign. I think our kids are going to be ready."

The win heading into district was key for Central. But its biggest win of the year was its victory over Poplar Bluff.

"Obviously that was important for us just to prove it to ourselves that we can do that," said Smith. "They're a real good basketball team but in a one-game shot on a neutral floor, we'll take our chances. But beating them is a plus. Our kids know how to win some of the games because they've been through it."

Cape Central has not won a district championship since 1989.

Jackson, meanwhile, is young and has played the toughest schedule of any team in the region with seven of their opponents being in the state's top 10 poll in one class or another. Despite their youth, the Lady Indians (13-10) have posted some impressive wins over state-ranked squads and played some of their best basketball of the season heading into the postseason.

"Jackson, even if you look who they lost to, they lost to some fantastic basketball teams," said Smith. "They're a good basketball team and have been playing real well lately. As well as they've played lately they might be playing the best basketball of any team in the district.

"It will be a tough district. Whoever gets out of it will be prepared to move on."

Jackson, which has won five straight districts, has been to the state championship game three times and has been to the final four four times, has probably the best player in the district in Andrea Koeper, who is averaging about 16 points per game. The Lady Indians lost an overtime game in sectionals last year.

Cape Central may have the most well-rounded starting five of any team, but Poplar Bluff has an athletic group that makes use of its quickness, tough defense and deep bench to wear down opponents.

District action will get underway at 6 p.m. Monday when Farmingon and Sikeston play for the right to play Poplar Bluff at 6 p.m. Tuesday. At 7:30 Tuesday, Jackson and Cape Central will tangle in a semifinal game. The championship game will be at 6 p.m. Thursday.

CLASS 3A, DISTRICT 1

Top-seeded Doniphan is the clear favorite to win, being state-ranked for most of the season and having by far the best record of the five-team field.

New Madrid got the second seed, followed by Dexter, Kennett and Charleston.

Kennett and Charleston will kick off the tournament in a play-in game at 6 p.m. Monday with the winner playing Doniphan at 6 p.m. Thursday. Dexter and New Madrid will play at 7:30 Thursday with the championship game to be held at 6 p.m. Friday.

CLASS 3A, DISTRICT 2

Park Hills Central got the first seed and the accompanying first-round bye in the seven-team field.

Fredericktown got the second seed, followed by North County, Perryville, Arcadia Valley, Potosi and Ste. Genevieve.

First-round action begins at 5 p.m. Monday when Perryville takes on Arcadia Valley. North County and Potosi follow that game and Fredericktown is scheduled to play Ste. Genevieve at 8 p.m.

Semifinal games will be played at 6 and 7:30 on Wednesday and the championship game will be at 6 on Friday.

DISTRICT SEEDINGS

CLASS 4A, DISTRICT 1

(At Sikeston)

Boys

1. Poplar Bluff

2. Sikeston

3. Cape Central

4. Jackson

5. Farmington

Girls

1. Poplar Bluff

2. Cape Central

3. Jackson

4. Farmington

5. Sikeston

CLASS 3A, DISTRICT 1

(At Kennett)

Boys

1. Dexter

2. New Madrid

3. Doniphan

4. Charleston

5. Kennett

Girls

1. Doniphan

2. New Madrid

3. Dexter

4. Kennett

5. Charleston

CLASS 3A, DISTRICT 2

(At Park Hills Central)

Boys

1. Arcadia Valley

2. North County

3. Park Hills Central

4. Fredericktown

5. Potosi

6. Ste. Genevieve

7. Perryville

Girls

1. Park Hills Central

2. Fredericktown

3. North County

4. Perryville

5. Arcadia Valley

6. Potosi

7. Ste. Genevieve