Saxony Lutheran scorches Scott City, faces Woodland in Class 3 District 2 Tourney

Saxony Lutheran’s scorching hot winning streak continues as the Crusaders blazed past Scott City 67 - 44 in the opening round of the Class 3 District 2 Tournament on Monday in Saxony Lutheran High School.

Senior Aaron Zoellner led the Crusaders with 20 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter to help keep pace with the Rams’ 21-point rally attempt.

“Aaron had a lot of buckets in the fourth quarter and then just put them away,” Justin Callahan said.

The Crusaders jumped out and scored 20 points in the first quarter while holding the Rams to only four points. Seniors Max Richy and Landon Ochs each scored five points and the Crusaders made three 3-point baskets to build a substantial lead.

“Scott City coaches had them at the triangle and 2 on Luke Eggemeyer, so that meant Max and Landon were going to half to step up their game,” Callahan said.

Both offenses seemed off in the second quarter, as the Rams and Crusaders combined to score 11 points. Kalen Conner hit a pair of buckets to slightly cut the Rams’ deficit to 24-11 at halftime.

“We came out and had a good start, I thought,” Callahan said, “but then after that, it just seemed like we just got really sluggish.”

Eggemeyer scored 17 points, all in the second half. 13 of which came in the third quarter, leading to a 22-12 advantage and a 46-23 lead entering the fourth quarter. Richey finished with nine points, as well as Owen Buchheit, while Ochs finished with seven points.

Brenden Beussink led the Rams with 12 points. Nathan Ham and Conner pitched in six points.

Seniors Lane Johnston scored six points and Colin Blaylock scored four points in the final games of their high school careers.

Scott City’s season ends with an 11-15 record. The Rams entered the district tournament with a six-game winning streak.

Saxony Lutheran (18-8) takes on Woodland (21-6) in the semifinal. The Cardinals advanced after crushing Chaffee 94-49 to extend their winning streak to seven games.

Reed Layton and Jarid Frymire scored 19 points to lead the Cardinals. Lane Vangennip scored 17 points and Brayden Hastings also chipped in 16 points.

“All their kids are just really good basketball players,” Callahan said. “Vangennip and Frymire are just really agile and just have a knack for being able to get shots off and score around the basket.”

Chaffee’s season ends with an 11-16 record. Blake Yarbro led the Red Devils with 14 points and Levi McKinne scored 12 points.

Woodland and Saxony Lutheran tips off on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

“We got our work cut out for us,” Callahan said. “We’ll have to play our best.”