JACKSON BOYS OPEN SEASON WITH EASY TOURNAMENT WIN

FARMINGTON -- Jackson High's boys basketball team opened its season Wednesday night by beating Fredericktown 69-49 in the semifinals of the Farmington Tournament.

The top-seeded Indians will play either second-seeded Farmington or third-seeded North County at 8 p.m. Friday in the finals. Fifth-seeded Fredericktown will play at 7 tonight for third place.

Doug Cary paced the Indians with 21 points as he hit five 3-pointers. Harith Jones added 11 points.

Fredericktown got 13 points from Brandon Toppins. Brandon Boswell and Luke McKinnis both added 12 points.

"I thought we did some good things. For a first game, it wasn't too bad," said Jackson coach Steve Burk.

Jackson outscored Fredericktown 22-10 in the second quarter to take a 39-24 halftime lead.

"We hurt them a little bit on boards, we got some stickbacks and we hit some jump shots," said Burk of the big second period.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Notre Dame 61, Sikeston 39

SIKESTON -- Notre Dame continued its busy early-season schedule by easing past host Sikeston Wednesday night.

The Lady Bulldogs, who improved to 3-2, were led by Jill Huber with 16 points. Randy Senciboy added 11 and freshman Deana McCormick contributed 10.

Notre Dame jumped out to a 13-9 lead after one quarter and went ahead 27-19 at halftime. It was 41-30 entering the final period and the Lady Bulldogs broke the game open with a 20-9 edge down the stretch.

Sikeston's Marcie Eaves led all scorers with 28 points.

Notre Dame's JV romped 68-12 as freshman Lisa Millham hit 6 3-pointers and scored 22 points. Deana McCormick added 17.

Valle 43, St. Vincent 32

STE. GENEVIEVE -- St. Vincent fell to the host squad Wednesday night in the opening round of the Valle Tournament.

Jessica Lakenan had 14 points for the Squaws (1-1), who trailed 20-10 at halftime.

The Squaws play Ste. Genevieve at 6 tonight.

JR. HIGH BASKETBALL

Central freshmen win

Cape Central's freshmen picked up two victories over Perryville Wednesday night.

The `A' team improved to 3-0 with a 45-40 win. Patrick Dempsey scored 13 points and Jordan White added 10.

The `B' squad is now 2-0 after romping 58-23. Eric Daume scored 12 points.

8th grade girls fall

Central's eighth grade girls ended their season Wednesday night with a pair of losses to Farmington

The `A' team finished with a 4-10 record after a 44-32 defeat. Ashley Colon scored 10 points.

The `B' squad was beaten 35-30 to end up 1-9.