LADY HAWKS RALLY IN FINAL SECONDS, CLAIM CONFERENCE

BENTON -- Kelly's Jennifer McNiell scored with one second left in regulation, lifting the Lady Hawks to a 59-57 victory Monday over Scott County Central and winning the Scott Mississippi Conference outright.

The victory improved Kelly's record to 18-5 overall and capped a perfect 6-0 conference season

"As far as I can remember, this is the first time we've won the conference championship by ourselves," said Kelly coach Clay Vangilder. "We've shared it a couple of times."

Scott County took a 45-43 lead into the fourth quarter to set up the dramatic finish. Kelly tied the game with eight seconds left at 57-57. Scott County then committed an inbound violation at midcourt, giving the ball to Kelly. After taking the inbound pass, Kelly's Pam Essner hit McNiell with a half-court pass. McNiell caught the ball under the basket and laid it in for the win.

"It was a heck of pass, heck of a catch, and then the shot," said Vangilder.

McNiell finished with a team-high 15 points. Audrey Burford added 14 and Ashley Dirnberger netted 13.

Katie Griffen paced Scott County with 16 points. Vontrice Blackmon tallied 11 and Heather Bright scored 10.

Kelly led 13-12 after the opening quarter, but Scott City moved ahead 27-23 by halftime.

"Neither team probably played its best, but it was a good ball game and exciting too," said Vangilder.

Kelly visits Notre Dame on Thursday.

Cape Central 77, Sikeston 25

SIKESTON -- The Lady Tigers clinched third place in the SEMO Conference with an easy 52-point decision over hapless Sikeston.

Central completed its conference schedule with a 3-2 mark and improved to 17-7 overall. Sikeston ended league play winless.

Four Central players scored in double figures, led by Kim Aslinger's 16 points. Katie Dougherty and Annie Christain both scored 12 each and Bonquita Cox added 11.

Central led 31-8 after one quarter and 50-14 at halftime. The Lady Tigers end their regular season Saturday at the Tiger Fieldhouse against Notre Dame.

Delta 69, Twin Rivers 64, OT

DELTA -- The Lady Bobcats scored all 12 of their overtime points from the free-throw line Monday and it was enough to hold off Twin Rivers.

Delta improved to 15-6 overall, winning a game that was tied at the end of the second, third and fourth quarters. Delta's Amanda Cook made 6 of 6 free throws in the overtime, ending with 10 points. Kristin Fish led the Lady Bobcats with 17 points, followed by 12 from Amanda McDaniel.

Delta is back in action tonight, hosting New Madrid County Central.

Scott City 43, Portageville 22

SCOTT CITY -- The Lady Rams held Portageville without a field goal in the third quarter to pull away for an easy win Monday night.

Leading just 16-12 at halftime, Scott City outscored the Lady Bulldogs 16-4 in the third quarter. The Lady Rams improved to 15-5.

"We picked it up in the second half," said Scott City coach Randall White. "We held them to just four free throws in the third quarter."

Amy O'Brien led Scott City with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

The Lady Rams host Oran on Thursday.