Junior's big game sends Perryville to opening win

Junior April Lorenz scored a career-high 45 points as Perryville won its season opener in its own three-team round-robin girls' basketball tournament Tuesday night with a 76-31 victory over Chester (Ill.).

The Pirates led throughout, building a 23-12 lead in the first quarter and taking a comfortable 41-19 advantage into halftime.

Kate Lowery, with 15 points, was the only other Pirate in double figures.

Perryville will face North County (1-0) for the championship at 7:30 p.m. today.

BOYS' BASKETBALL

Meadow Heights 70, Leopold 58

Meadow Heights used a big 30-point effort from Joey Bell to take the season opener for both teams.

Meadow Heights had three scorers in double figures, led by Bell. Chris Burr added 14 and Brad Adams had 11.

Leopold was led by Kevin Holsom who had 15 points. Brandon Bueter had 12 and Lucas Horrell had 11.

Zalma 74, Risco 71

Zalma went on the road for its season opener and won a tight contest with the help of a 26-point night from Chad Wiseman.

Zalma trailed at halftime but outscored Risco by six in the third quarter and held off Risco in the fourth quarter.

David Hovis added 19 for Zalma and Jamie Mangrum had 11.

Scott City 84, Woodland 69

Scott City jumped out to a 22-point halftime lead and didn't look back in defeating Woodland in its season opener.

Andy Beck led all scorers with 19 points for Scott City. Tyler Ward added 16, Jeremy Schlosser had 13 and D.J. Walton had 12 in a balanced Scott City attack.

Luke Johnson led Woodland with 18 points. Alex VanGennip added 14 and Eric Reeves and Travis Benfield each had 10.

Scott City's JV won 53-48.

BOYS' SWIMMING

Eureka 119, Central 67

Eureka spoiled the Tigers' season opener with a strong performance at Central.

Central did have several strong performances, including two individual first-place finishes from Kris Mentje. Metje won the 200-meter freestyle and the 500 freestyle.

Sam Maguire took first place in the 200 IM and Andrew Moreton finished first in the 100 backstroke. Central's 400 freestyle relay was also first. The relay team consisted of Maguire, Moreton, Metje and Alex Heddle.

BOYS' JV BASKETBALL

Saxony Lutheran 56, Notre Dame freshmen 46

Saxony Lutheran made a triumphant home debut as it defeated Notre Dame's freshmen 56-46 in its first-ever athletic event.

Tim Lorenz led the way for Saxony with 17 points while Lauren Lueders had 14.

Jacob Essner scored a game-high 20 points for Notre Dame.

GIRLS' JV BASKETBALL

Central Tournament

Jackson defeated Central 68-10 to reach today's final in the Central Tournament. In the other semifinal, Farmington cruised past Notre Dame 45-31.

Also, Sikeston defeated NMCC 52-35, and Poplar Bluff beat Central's B team 58-26.

-- From staff reports