NMCC, DEXTER PREVAIL TO SET UP TITLE SHOWDOWN

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- Top-seeded New Madrid County Central and second-seeded Dexter posted semifinal victories Wednesday night to set up Friday night's highly anticipated showdown in the championship game of the Class 3A, District 1 Tournament.

Host New Madrid, the defending 3A state champion, improved to 17-7 by routing fifth-seeded Kennett 75-51.

Dexter, the state's third-ranked squad, improved to 24-3 by pulling away from third-seeded Doniphan 76-65.

New Madrid, which got 29 points from Byron Minner, 13 from Dereke Tipler and 10 from Ronland Ranson, led 40-22 at halftime and was never seriously threatened.

Kennett (15-11) was paced by Larry Green with 12 points.

Brett Hale poured in 34 points for Dexter, which also got 20 from Shannon Wright. But the Bearcats were tied 33-33 at halftime and led just 48-45 after three quarters before they pulled away down the stretch.

Doniphan (20-8) was led by Danny Kellas with 20 points and Adam Crader with 18.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Scott City 47, St. Vincent 45

SCOTT CITY, Mo. -- Scott City finished up an impressive regular season by holding off St. Vincent.

The Lady Rams will carry an 18-7 record into the start of the Class 2A, District 2 Tournament Saturday.

"We've got a very young team, but we've kept getting better," said Scott City coach Randy White.

Freshman Loren Groves continued her strong season by scoring 19 points. Rachel Spinks added 13 and senior Jennifer Bain scored all seven of her points in the fourth quarter.

St. Vincent (10-13) got 14 points from Danielle Sutterer.

In a game that was close virtually the whole way, Scott City led 25-23 at halftime and 34-33 entering the final period.

Valle 48, Chaffee 42

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Chaffee suffered from a dismal third quarter as Valle rallied past the Lady Red Devils.

The Lady Devils (8-14) led 28-20 at halftime but were outscored 16 in the third period.

Jennifer Vandeven poured in 24 points for Chaffee but no other player had more than eight.

"We just really came out sluggish for the second half," said Chaffee coach Tammy Brock.

Chaffee closes out the regular season tonight at home against Notre Dame, which earlier this week moved into the No. 1 spot in the Class 2A state poll.