NEW, IMPROVED BLUEJAYS STOP TIGERS

Charleston and Cape Girardeau Central have been two of the area's most improved high school boys basketball teams over the second half of the season.

But the visiting Bluejays were way above the Tigers' level Tuesday night as they rolled to a 75-58 victory.

The Blue Jays improved to 12-11 overall and 5-0 in SEMO Conference play as they clinched at least a tie for the league title. The Tigers fell to 6-16.

"We're not the same team we were around Christmas time," said Charleston coach Danny Farmer with a smile.

Not even close. People who saw the Bluejays play during the University High Christmas Tournament but hadn't seen them perform since probably wouldn't believe the strides they've made.

"We started the season 2-5 and around Christmas time it looked like we were going to crumble," Farmer said. "But now we're playing at another level. The chemistry is great. I think we've finally learned to play together and believe in each other.

"Right now, I think we're where we want to be."

Lezcano Dean had a huge night for the Bluejays as he hit four 3-pointers and poured in 26 points, 23 of them coming in the first three quarters.

Delon Turner hit three 3-pointers and added 13 points for Charleston while Jemorrio Betts contributed 10 points.

Chris Cole led Cape Central with nine points.

"I thought Charleston played a very good game and they really shot the ball well," said Central coach Brett Reutzel. "They're playing so much better than they were early in the season.

"We've had some emotional games lately and I think we came out flat. But to go on the nice run we've been on and then to get beat like that, it's deflating."

The game was never really in doubt. Charleston scored the first four points, led 19-11 after one quarter and went up 30-19 by halftime.

Charleston opened up a 45-25 lead on Dean's 3-pointer midway through the third quarter. Central managed to pull within 12 late in the period and trailed 51-37 entering the fourth quarter.

Dean buried a 3-pointer at the outset of the final period to make it 54-37. Central could get no closer than 14 after that and the Bluejays later led by 20 again before coasting home.

"I thought we put four quarters together tonight," Farmer said.

Central will end the regular season Friday night by hosting St. Louis University High, which is coached by former Notre Dame coach and Cape Girardeau native Don Maurer.