RAMS KEEP U-HIGH MOMENTUM, TOP SCC

SCOTT CITY -- If you love wide open, offensive basketball, then Scott City High School was the place to be Tuesday night as the host Rams outlasted the Scott County Central Braves 81-73.

But Scott City coach Derek McCord, even though his squad improved to 11-1, would have much rather seen a bit more defense from the Rams.

"That was probably the worst job of contesting shots we've done all year," said McCord.

The lack of defense aside, however, the big crowd had to love the offensive show put on by both squads, and in particular three players.

For the Rams, ranked fourth in the state in Class 2A and fresh off their title in the University High School Christmas Tournament, Ryan Weatherspoon and Ron Watson stole the show as they continued the pace from their U-High all-tourney performances.

Weatherspoon, a 6-foot-6 senior, scored a career-high 30 points while pulling down 12 rebounds and blocking 11 shots to record a triple-double. Weatherspoon, who had 15 third-quarter points, threw in a couple of dunks for good measure.

The Braves, whose tallest starter was in the 6-foot range, had no answer for Weatherspoon inside virtually the entire night.

"Ryan had a great game," said McCord. "I thought he was a little tentative early, but then he really came on." Watson, a 6-4 senior, scored 28 points, 13 coming in the first quarter as the Rams got off to a good start. Watson hit six 3-point shots.

"Ron did a nice job offensively and he really made some nice passes," McCord said.

Matt Miller added 10 points for the Rams while Ben Sample contributed nine points, all on 3-pointers. Point guard David Enderle also had a big night with 14 assists.

For the Braves, who fell to 6-4, their main man was once again Jreece Johnson. The 5-11 senior, who set a U-High single-game scoring record with 49 points last week, pumped in 39 against the Rams.

Johnson, also a U-High all-tourney selection, missed his first seven shots and was held to a pair of first-quarter points Tuesday. But he had his way the rest of the contest and matched Weatherspoon with a pair of dunks.

"You have to give Jreece credit," said McCord. "He had a great game. We didn't have anybody to stop him." Todd Blissett added 12 points for the Braves and he also had a slam. Nick Wheeler contributed 10 points.

With Watson hot early, the Rams -- who never trailed -- started strong and led 25-10 after one quarter.

But Johnson got going in the second period as the Braves were able to make a game of things. Johnson had 15 points in the second quarter as Scott Central pulled to within 35-29 at halftime.

Things stayed fairly tight for much of the third quarter, with Scott Central never able to pull closer than six points.

Finally, the Rams began to open up some breathing room as Watson hit a 3-pointer and Weatherspoon scored inside to make it 51-40. The Rams led 59-48 heading into the fourth quarter.

Miller's basket early in the final period made it 61-48 and the Rams began to pull away, eventually building a 74-56 lead before McCord started removing his starters.

Scott Central was able to cut into the lead late but the Rams were able to coast home.