LADY TIGERS SHOWCASE IMPRESSIVE 12-1 RECORD

Cape Central's 51-36 victory over Seckman Saturday showcased two entirely different halves.

In the first 16 minutes of play, the Lady Tigers could only score 15 points.

The second half, however, saw the Cape Central girls shake off cobwebs that may have developed over an eight-day layoff. The Lady Tigers netted 36 points in the second half en route to victory over the visiting Jaguars in the Bank of Missouri Tiger Showcase at Tiger Field House.

"I'm not sure we were ready to play," said Cape Central coach Darrick Smith. "Some of the things we were doing wrong in the first half had nothing to do with the layoff, such as not hustling. It was one of those things that's hard to put your finger on."

Cape Central, which improved to 12-1, had last played in an upset victory over Poplar Bluff, ranked fourth in Class 4A.

Cape Central struggled throughout the first half, but despite the problems the Lady Tigers clung to a 15-12 lead at halftime.

Central was just six for 20 from the field in the half and turned the ball over 11 times.

Defensively, Cape Central was steady, creating 15 turnovers in the first half and 20 for the entire game.

"We average around 20 turnovers a game," said Seckman coach Joe Salsman. "They have been our downfall this season."

Cape Central got things going on both ends of the court in the third quarter by pumping in 20 points and preventing Seckman from scoring a field goal for the last six minutes.

Cape Central outscored the Lady Jaguars 23-11 in the third quarter and took a 38-23 lead into the final period.

The Lady Tigers pulled away in the fourth, opening up an 18-point lead with five minutes to go in the contest, allowing Smith to empty his bench.

"I wanted to see how some of my kids who don't get much playing time would react to their pressure," said Smith. "I knew Seckman would try to press them and create turnovers."

Seckman did manage to get within 10 points, cutting Cape Central's lead to 46-36 with two minutes left by creating five consecutive turnovers against the substitutes, but could get no closer.

Central was paced in scoring by Katie Dougherty, who recorded 19 points. She was the only Lady Tiger to finish in double figures.

Seckman, which was 23-4 last year while winning a district title, fell to 4-9 this year.

"We only have one starting senior this year," said Salsman. "We'll improve next season and we hope to find a way to play Cape Central every year, if we can work it out. The hospitality here has been great."

Lindsay Gruenewald, who scored 17 points, was the only Lady Jaguar to finish in double figures.

Cape Central will travel to class 4A Parkway West -- ranked third in the state -- Saturday for the Lady Tigers' next contest.