PREP ROUNDUP: Boys finals set at BRL Tournament

ELLINGTON — Thursday was a good night for the top two boys seeds at the Black River League Tournament.

The top-seeded South Iron Panthers turned back host Ellington 67-48 in the early semifinal Thursday, then No. 2 Bunker defeated East Carter 66-41 in the late game.

“We didn’t show up and compete tonight,” said East Carter head coach Jordan Penn. “Bunker outplayed us in every aspect of the game.”

The Eagles were led by Cade Sutton with a game-high 31 points.

Micah Thompson and Kasen McCarty each had 10 points for the Redbirds.

In the early game, South Iron pulled away down the stretch against the host Whippets, turning a 10-point lead (44-34) at the start of the final period into a 19-point win.

“We gave up too many offensive rebounds and defensive transition also cost us some points,” said Ellington head coach Jeremy Peterson.

“We allowed too many runs by a solid team and struggled offensively to give ourselves a chance at the end of the game.”

Ellington’s leading scorers were Brock Morey with 19 points and Colby Hedrick with 18.

South Iron was led by Sawyer Huff with 19 points and Marquis Burse with 17.

The Panthers will face the Bunker Eagles in the tournament championship game.

OTHER BOYS GAMES

Greenville 64, Puxico 35

At Puxico, the Greenville Bears went on the road and earned a decisive victory over the Puxico Indians.

“We played a solid defensive game and executed on offense,” said Greenville head coach Nathan Walk. “The way Puxico is able to shoot the ball, I knew we would have to lock in on the defensive end, and we were able to do it tonight.”

The Bears’ leading scorers were Easton Evans with 18 points and Carter Irions with 10.

Gideon 79, Naylor 66

At Gideon, the host Bulldogs claimed a home victory over the Naylor Eagles.

“We didn’t play very good defense, and we didn’t finish a lot of easy shots,” said Naylor head coach Ed Moore. “It cost us the game.”

Gideon’s Drake Montgomery led all scorers with 27 points. Teammate Landon Weaver scored 16.

Naylor’s scoring was led by Damian Thilman with 16 points, while Brock Woolard and Preston Johnson each scored 15.

Holcomb 62, Clearwater 55

At Piedmont, the host Clearwater Tigers watched a third-quarter lead turn into a fourth-quarter loss to the visiting Holcomb Hornets.

“We lost a close one,” said Clearwater head coach Zac Moore. “We couldn’t finish down the stretch.”

Clearwater led 49-39 at the end of the third, but Holcomb outscored the Tigers 23-6 in the fourth to claim the victory.

The Tigers’ scoring was led by Keegan Gracey with a game-high 23 points and Charles Robbins with 16.

The Hornets’ top scorers were Max Harmon with 17 and Braidon Burk with 16.

Cooter 72, Clarkton 32

At Cooter, the host Wildcats were inhospitable to the visiting Clarkton Reindeer, notching a 40-point win.

“We came out, got punched in the mouth, and did not compete,” said Clarkton head coach Cole McBroom.

The Wildcats led 38-15 at halftime.

Cooter’s leading scorers were Luke Barnes with a game-high 22 points and Rhoads Lynn with 14.

Clarkton’s Owen Morgan led the Reindeer with 18 points.

GIRLS

Doniphan 63, Neelyville 57

The Doniphan Donettes defended their home court with a win over the Neelyville Lady Tigers on Thursday night.

“We played great as a team,” said Doniphan head coach Adam Epps. “Lots of different people stepped up. We had a decent lead, but they are a tough, well-coached team that didn’t quit.”

Doniphan’s top scorers were Gracen Kirby with 16 points and Brooklynn Klepzig with 15.

The Lady Tigers were paced by Ella Eaker with a game-high 23 points and Layni Dobbins with 12.

Senath-Hornersville 61, Puxico 35

At Senath, the host Lady Lions defeated the visiting Puxico Lady Indians Thursday night.

“We played a very good shooting Senath team,” said Puxico head coach Trent Copling. “We didn’t pass the ball well for most of the night, so we struggled with turnovers."

Laney Porter led the Indians with 20 points.

Liberty 57, Van Buren 51

The Van Buren Lady Dawgs fell to the Liberty Eagles Thursday night at the Thayer Classic.

“My girls played hard,” said Van Buren head coach Torrie Ricker, “but shots just weren’t falling that we typically make.”

Mya Gillespie led the Lady Dawgs with 14 points.

Dexter 56, Woodland 15

The Dexter Lady Bearcats scored a convincing home win over the Woodland Cardinals on Thursday night.

“We executed really well on the offensive end tonight,” said Dexter head coach Eric Sitze. “We were able to knock down some shots and get a lot of girls involved.”

Dexter’s leading scorers were Kate Nichols with 16 points and Caitlin Giles with 11.

Greenville 47, Advance 32

At Advance, the Greenville Lady Bears went on the road and defeated the Advance Lady Hornets Thursday night.

Greenville was led in scoring by Ashlynn West with 13 points.

Advance’s Kaylee Cline led the Hornets with eight points.

Editor’s note: No information was received on the Campbell boys game and Malden girls game.