Jackson boys basketball goes from slide to top of Summit

Losing three games in three days wasn't something Jackson's boys basketball team wanted to face.

But after dropping their opening game in the Fox Tournament Monday and then losing at Sikeston Tuesday, Wednesday's game against Summit at the Fox Tournament became a must-win for the Indians.

And while the 2-16 Falcons stunned the Indians with some strong outside shooting early, Jackson (9-11) kept going to leading scorer Tyler McNeely in the second half and held on for a 56-46 win to end their three-game losing streak.

Jackson grabbed an eight-point lead after the first quarter, but saw that lead shrink to three by halftime behind four first-half 3-pointers by Summit star Kenny Williams.

Summit scored first in the third quarter to get within one, but McNeely went on a seven-point binge to bring the lead back to seven. The Indians would bring their lead up to 11 to start the fourth, and saw the Falcons get within six late before Jeffrey Beck's four free throws put the game away.

Jackson was led by McNeely's 14 points. Beck added 13 for the Indians.

Indians coach Mike Kiehne said Jackson needs to start seeing some more points from Beck.

"Jeffrey has to start scoring if we're going to be successful," he said.

Jackson's strong start, which included a 25-point first quarter, was aided by 17 first-half points from the bench. Jason Schafer scored all eight of his points in the first quarter.

Jackson will face the winner of the Fox-Windsor game in the consolation final Friday at 5:30 p.m.

North County 69, Perryville 51

Despite a 26-26 halftime tie, Perryville fell on the road.

The Pirates (5-13) were led by Aaron Weibrecht with 12 points.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Notre Dame 63, Sikeston 24

The Bulldogs (10-7) continued to roll as they went on the road and romped to their eighth victory in nine games.

Ashley Millham scored a career-high 32 points to lead the Bulldogs.

"We've been playing pretty well lately," Notre Dame coach Jerry Grim said.

De Soto 70, St. Vincent 53

Lindsay Miller hit six 3-pointers and scored 29 points to lead De Soto past host St. Vincent.

The Squaws (6-8), who led 25-23 at halftime, got 19 points from Chelsea Brown.

WRESTLING

Central, Jackson sweep

Central and Jackson both posted a pair of victories during Central's double-dual meet.

Jackson (9-0) routed Poplar Bluff 72-9 and Dexter 63-9. Central (6-3) coasted upended Poplar Bluff 48-24 and slipped past Dexter 39-33.

The Tigers have posted their most dual-match victories since the 1987 team went 6-4.

Others

Central's ninth grade boys' basketball team climbed back to .500 with a 60-46 win at Kelly.

Jared Thomas led Central with 24 points and Kingsley Ehie had 15.

-- From staff reports