Portageville advances to Bootheel Championship with upset win over Caruthersville

MALDEN, Mo. — Portageville snapped a five-game losing streak to Caruthersville with a 66-50 victory in a Bootheel Conference Semifinal at Malden High School on Monday, Jan. 29.

Despite missing key players, the third-seeded Bulldogs (14-7) rose to the occasion on the back of Jamarion Smith, who carried the team with a game-high 29 points in the surprising upset of the second-seeded Tigers (11-6).

‘The kids absolutely played their hearts out,” said Portageville coach TJ Smith. “We were able to handle their pressure, not turn the ball over, and make shots in key moments. Defensively, we were amazing. We got after them, locked in and guarded and rebounded.”

Connor Jeffries opened the game with a 3-point play, but it was Smith who stole the show, drilling back-to-back 3-pointers to close out the first quarter and give Portageville a 19-6 advantage.

Smith continued his hot streak in the second quarter, draining another 3-pointer right off the bat. He wasn't done there, driving to the basket for two straight layups that pushed the lead to 26-8.

Later, Tim Hamilton got in on the action with a layup assisted by Smith, extending the lead beyond 20 points. By halftime, Portageville had built a comfortable cushion, leading 44-24.

“[Smith] and [Aaron Dunlap] had the tough task of guarding two of the best guards in the area and did phenomenally,” Smith said. “Both also managed to make shots and put points on the board for us.”

Portageville maintained control in the second half, even when Caruthersville tried to chip away.

While Sammy Bryant's 3-pointer briefly tightened things up to 12 points midway through the third quarter, Portageville responded with free throws.

Caruthersville came closest at 11 points with under four minutes remaining, but Portageville slowed the game down and found Xayvion Bogan for an easy layup, effectively snuffing out any comeback hopes.

“[Brandon West] and [Xay Bogan] helped handle the pressure and made some big shots,” Smith said. “[Connor Jeffries] was huge on the defensive end for us grabbing boards and taking four charges. Tim Hamilton and Antonio Hickenbottom had to chew up a lot of minutes due to injuries and both played extremely well.”

Portageville will take on top-seeded Malden (16-3) in the championship on Thursday, Feb. 1 at 8 p.m.

__PORTAGEVILLE 66, CARUTHERSVILLE 50__

Portageville 19 25 13 9 — 66

Caruthersvlle 6 18 16 9 — 50

Portageville (66) — Jamarion Smith 29, Brandon West 19, Xayvion Bogan 8, Aaron Dunlap 5, Connor Jeffries 3, Tim Hamilton 2. FG: 23. FT: 13-16. F: 17. (3-pointers: West 3, Smith 3. Fouled out: None).

Caruthersville (50) — Sammy Bryant 18, Abeyon Motton 11, Quawnterrious McVay 8, Jermonte Alexander 7, Colbe Sargent 3. FG: 19. FT: 7-15. F: 17. (3-pointers: Bryant 3, Alexander 1, Motton 1. Fouled out: None).