Previewing the Bloomfield Christmas Tournament

The rhythmic pound of sneakers, the symphony of bouncing balls, the rising roar of the crowd – here, sixteen teams stand cast in the shadows of legends past. But with ambitious eyes, these players and coaches are ready to score their chapter in the unfolding epic of the 67th Annual Bloomfield Christmas Tournament's hallowed hardwood history.

East Prairie, motivated for more trophies, clashes with Doniphan, while Portageville hunts for its sixth straight victory over Hayti. Underdogs like Gideon hope to topple giants like Puxico, while Richland's offense faces Twin River's athletic wall. Hometown pride ignites as Malden clashes with Bloomfield, and champions like Dexter brace for Bernie's hunger.

Welcome to the Bloomfield Christmas Tournament, where legends are born.

__Puxico vs. Gideon, 10 a.m.__

The Indians (8-0), soaring high as the No. 1 seed in the tournament, open their campaign against the underdog Bulldogs (1-5). While Gideon, seeded 16th, seeks a Cinderella story upset, history isn't on its side. Puxico has dominated the past three meetings, averaging a 32-point margin of victory.

This season, the Indians are firing on all cylinders, boasting an undefeated record and already claiming the Bernie Invitational Tournament title. Their secret weapon? Inside force Thomas Burch, who's been a dominant presence on the court. Gideon, on the other hand, started rough at 1-5 but recently found its footing with a resounding 84-43 win over Zalma. Can they carry that momentum and topple the tournament favorite?

Expect Puxico to establish Burch early and leverage its experience to control the pace. Gideon will need a lights-out shooting performance and stifling defense to overcome the odds. This David-vs-Goliath matchup promises fireworks – will Puxico extend its winning streak, or will Gideon pull off a Christmas miracle?

__Twin River vs. Richland, 11:15 a.m.__

Don't underestimate the bite from the Class 1 Rebels (5-2) when they face the Class 3 Royals (5-4) in this 8-vs-9 seed encounter. Richland packs an offensive punch, averaging a program-best near 70 points per game since at least 2009. They share the ball, find open looks, and make opponents pay, boasting a potent weapon many haven't encountered before.

But it's not just buckets fueling Richland's success. The defense has morphed into a brick wall, surrendering a stingy 56.0 points per game - the best mark in at least two decades. This defensive prowess, coupled with its offensive explosiveness, makes Richland a potential spoiler in this tournament.

However, Twin Rivers shouldn't be underestimated after finishing third in the Bernie Invitational, showcasing firepower against strong competition. Can its athleticism and size crack Richland's defensive shell? Or will Richland's scoring spree and stingy defense prove too much for the Royals? This battle promises to be a fascinating clash of styles, where offense meets defense and two scrappy teams fight for a crucial tournament win.

These two programs haven't faced off since 2018, when Richland dominated 66-44.

__Malden vs. Bloomfield, 12:45 p.m.__

Sparks are sure to fly when the No. 4 seed Green Wave (5-2) clash with the No. 13 seed Wildcats (4-3) in their backyard.

While Malden boasts one of the tournament's most talented rosters, questions linger about its underperformance so far, including a third-place finish at the Clarkton Holiday Classic and a disappointing semifinal loss to rival Risco.

Malden's offensive engine hinges on the dynamic duo of guard Quarmareous Farmer and center Marcus Burton, both all-tournament team selections from last year's Bloomfield Christmas Tournament. Its potent combination of scoring prowess and inside-out play makes Malden a threat to any opponent. However, its early-season stumbles raise concerns about consistency, especially against a gritty Bloomfield team intent on defending its home court.

History favors Malden, having won the past four meetings against Bloomfield by an average of 15.5 points. But will Bloomfield's home-court edge and defensive tenacity be enough to upset the talent-laden Green Wave? This clash promises a passionate battle between familiar foes, where redemption for Malden meets the fierce pride of Bloomfield. Keep your eyes peeled, because this one could go down to the wire.

__Dexter vs. Bernie, 2:15 p.m.__

The battle for basketball bragging rights is on when the No. 5 seed Bearcats (2-5) meet the No. 12 seed Mules (4-3) in the opening round of the tournament. Dexter enters as the reigning champions but with a largely retooled roster after heavy graduation losses. Bernie, meanwhile, arrives eager for an upset after winning three of its last five games.

Dexter might not boast the same firepower as last year, but they've shown signs of promise with balanced scoring. Devin Turnbo, Ethan Zabelin, and Tucker Temples have all taken turns leading the charge, offering the Bearcats versatility on offense. However, the defensive performance has been inconsistent, raising questions about the ability to hold off a motivated Bernie squad.

History favors Dexter slightly, with five wins in the past seven meetings, including last year's Stoddard County Activities Association Championship win. But past accomplishments hold no weight in the face of present challenges. This clash promises to be a battle of resilience and adaptability, with Dexter aiming to defend its crown against Bernie's pursuit of glory.

__East Prairie vs. Doniphan, 3:45 p.m.__

The No. 2 seed Eagles (6-1) are circling the prey, wings clipped only by a single scratch in their near-perfect season. These birds of victory tasted blood at the Gideon Bulldog Classic earlier this year, and they're itching to add another trophy to their nest under the Bloomfield Christmas lights.

Last year's Scott-Mississippi Conference champs approach the tournament with eyes focused on the horizon, ready to soar even higher.

However, standing in their way are the No. 15 seed Dons (3-5), a team with nothing to lose and a history of holding their own against the Eagles. The past four meetings have been split 2-2, proving Doniphan can rise to the occasion against formidable opponents.

“We have to continue doing what we’ve been doing up to this point which is playing good solid defense and rebounding,” said East Prairie coach Gary Scott. “That has helped us win some close games so far. Doniphan will be a tough first-round matchup. We will have to play well to win. We just have to play our game and see what happens.”

Leading the Eagles' charge is an all-tournament team selection from last year's Bloomfield Christmas Tournament, Noah Johnson, who's averaging 17.1 points per game. He's not alone, though. Connor Marcum's 17.7 ppg average brings another offensive weapon to the mix, while Kamron Farmer, Ty Wallace, and Evan Kenedy add steady contributions, making East Prairie a well-oiled offensive machine.

Doniphan battled its way to a fifth-place finish at the Clarkton Holiday Classic, proving its resilience. The offense hinges on Emmitt Jones, who earned an all-tournament team nod at Clarkton. He'll need to be at his best against the Eagles.

__Portageville vs. Hayti, 5 p.m.__

The No. 7 seed Bulldogs (3-2) enter the tournament with a familiar foe in their sights: the No. 10 seed Hayti Indians (2-2). These teams have a history of close battles, with Portageville holding a commanding 5-0 advantage in its last five meetings dating back to 2020. However, both squads arrive with momentum, eager to make a statement in the opening round.

“This tournament has as much parity as I can ever remember,” said Portageville coach TJ Smith. “From playing in it from 2005 to 2008, to now. Everyone’s goal is the same, string together four good games. If we do that we can win the whole thing. Mix in one bad game and it’s a loss. We’ve got to get more comfortable playing together offensively. We’ve got kids that can score. I’ve just been trying to figure out the best ways to get our scorers in the right spots to be productive.”

Portageville, fresh off a heartbreaking championship loss at the Clarkton Holiday Classic, seeks redemption under the Bloomfield lights. The offense hinges on the explosive play of Jamarion Smith (14.2 ppg). Xayvion Bogan (7.8 ppg), Layden Kellum (7.6 ppg), Mason Adams, and Brandon West add valuable depth and scoring, creating a well-rounded attack.

Hayti, however, refuses to be simply prey. A recent 68-67 upset over second-seeded East Prairie serves as a testament to the fighting spirit and ability to challenge the tournament's elite.

“Hayti is young and full of energy,” Smith said. “They’re playing well and if we let them hit some shots early and gain confidence we could be in for a long night. We have to use our size and experience to our benefit. Truly lock in on the defensive end and put the ball in the hole on the other.”

Can the Bulldogs extend their dominance and reignite championship aspirations? Or will the Indians pull off another shock victory and rewrite the narrative in Bloomfield?

__Kennett vs. Holcomb, 6:30 p.m.__

The No. 3 seed Indians (3-4), aiming to end a three-game losing streak and contend for the tournament title, faces a determined No. 11 seed Hornets (3-5) seeking revenge for last year's Bloomfield defeat.

Kennett, accustomed to title hopes, finds itself in unfamiliar territory. Its offense will need to plug the leaks against Holcomb's stingy defense, boasting its best mark in three seasons (57.5 ppg).

The Hornets arrive buzzing with the underdog spirit. Last year's 89-59 Bloomfield drubbing by Kennett remains a bitter pill to swallow, fueling its hunger for revenge. Jacob Reeves-Crittendon (10.8 ppg) and Bryce McNabb (9.6 ppg) lead the attack and aim to exploit the Indians’ vulnerabilities. Noah Kenner (6.4 rpg) anchors the paint and will seek to control the boards.

It's a story of fallen champions seeking to reignite their spark against hungry underdogs with revenge etched on their hearts. Can Kennett find its offensive rhythm and silence the whispers of doubt? Or will Holcomb capitalize on Kennett's struggles, flip the script and send shockwaves through the tournament?

__Van Buren vs. South Pemiscot, 8 p.m.__

More than just an opening-day matchup, the clash between No. 6 seed Van Buren (6-1) and No. 11 seed South Pemiscot (3-2) carries the weight of contrasting ambitions. For Van Buren, it's about proving its championship credentials. For South Pemiscot, it's a chance to silence doubters and carve a path to glory.

Van Buren, a team often eclipsed by flashier competitors, quietly boasts the most prolific offense in four seasons. The team’s offensive cohesion and talent are undeniable, evidenced by its average of 61.9 points per game.

Across the court, South Pemiscot injected a jolt of confidence with its recent 78-66 upset over Risco. South Pemiscot sophomore standout Robert Farmer III already made waves as an all-tournament selection last season and helps lead the team to 68.6 points per game – South Pemsicot’s best mark since its 2014 district championship run.

Van Buren holds a 54-41 victory from last year. Will Van Buren's experience and discipline contain the Bulldogs' fire, or will last year's footnote become a distant memory in the face of South Pemiscot's rising tide?

From buzzer-beaters to unexpected heroes blooming like cotton under the Missouri sun, the Bloomfield Christmas Tournament has seen it all, and this year’s tournament finds sixteen seeds waiting to sprout, thirsting for Bootheel glory under the unforgiving lights.

__Staff Predictions__

The Standard-Democrat, Dexter Statesman and Southeast Missourian sports staffs give their predictions for the winners of the tournament.

__Dennis Marshall (SD Sports Editor)__

1st Place: East Prairie

3rd Place: Puxico

5th Place: Portageville

Consolation: Hayti

__Josh Ayers (DS Editor)__

1st Place: Puxico

3rd Place: Dexter

5th Place: Portageville

Consolation: Richland

__Tony Capobianco (SE Missourian Sports Editor)__

1st Place: East Prairie

3rd Place: Malden

5th Place: Portageville

Consolation: Hayti

__Clay Herrell (SE Missourian Sports Writer)__

1st Place: East Prairie

3rd Place: Malden

5th Place: Portageville

Consolation: Hayti

__Cole Lee (SE Missourian Sports Writer)__

1st Place: Puxico

3rd Place: East Prairie

5th Place: Malden

Consolation: Hayti