Scott City boys exact revenge against rival Chaffee

There's something about being booted from a tournament by one's biggest rival that does not sit well with a team.

Scott City had nine days to stew after its departure from the Southeast Missourian Christmas tournament, courtesy of a four-point loss to Chaffee in the consolation semifinals.

The Rams were more than happy to open their doors to the Red Devils on Friday night, and the payback was resounding. Scott City used a 28-point performance by junior Zach Cotner to defeat Chaffee 68-44.

"We don't like losing to Chaffee. We're not used to them beating us," said Scott City coach Mark Dannenmueller, who is in his first year as coach at his alma mater.

The Rams were 1-8 after being ousted from the tournament, with their lone win against Delta in the consolation quarterfinals. Dannenmueller said the loss left his team at a crossroads, and the Rams did more than stew.

Chaffee junior Jordan Yahn takes a jump shot over Scott City defender Hunter Cox during the first half Friday.

"We had some tough practices after that," Scott City junior Landon Robert said. "We had some JV players come up and get on us on defense. It's a whole team thing. Everyone is helping out."

Scott City played its first game since the tournament Tuesday and routed South Pemiscot 98-33. Cotner scored a career-high 34 points in that win.

"Ever since we lost to Chaffee, we've come together so much," Dannenmueller said. "We've had great practices. We went down to South Pemiscot and played well."

Robert said the Rams were missing open shots earlier in the season, and their shooting has picked up the last two games.

"I think we carried it over from South Pem. We were hitting shots," said Robert, who added 16 points. "We've been working hard in practice."

Scott City junior Logan Henson, front, tries to gain conrol of a loose ball in front of Chaffee defender Alex Crowe during the first half Friday.

Chaffee, which entered with a four-game winning streak, hit its first two shots from the floor Friday night as Andrew Terhune and Jordan Yahn staked the Red Devils to a 4-0 lead. It proved to be the highlight of the evening and the only lead for Chaffee (7-3).

The Red Devils added just two free throws the remainder of the quarter as Scott City closed the period with a 17-2 run.

Robert got Scott City on the board with a 15-foot jumper, Cotner hit a free throw and Hunter Cox scored inside with 5 minutes, 25 seconds left in the quarter to put Scott City ahead for good at 5-4.

Cotner finger-rolled a shot into the basket on a drive down the lane on a fast break and nailed a 3-pointer at the 2:45 mark to complete a 10-0 run.

Chaffee committed eight turnovers, missed four shots on its final 13 possessions and trailed 17-6 at the close of the quarter. The Red Devils also saw point guard Jason Cicardi get into game-long foul trouble, which ultimately ended his night for good early in the fourth quarter.

Scott City fans cheer on the Rams during their game against Chaffee on Friday.

Chaffee hit just 2 of 10 shots in the second quarter, while Scott City connected on 9 of 15 to expand its lead to 18 points, 39-21, by halftime.

Scott City's 6-foot-4 sophomore Ryan Brock scored eight points off the bench in the second quarter and finished with 10 for the game.

Chaffee closed within 13 points by the end of the third quarter, but Scott City only built on the 46-33 lead in the fourth quarter.

The lead quickly doubled to 26 points when Scott City outscored Chaffee 14-1 during the opening minutes of the fourth for a 60-34 lead.

"We knew we had an 'X' on our back after beating them in the Christmas tournament," Chaffee coach Josh Govreau said. "They came back and almost beat us there. And you come into this environment, on their own floor, and they're going to be ready for you. I don't think we matched their intensity all game long. In a rivalry game like that, you need to show up for 32 minutes to play. We didn't do that, and they did."

Chaffee players Michael Rutherford, from left, Jason Cicardi, Trevor Cannon, Andrew Terhune and Jordan Yahn watch from the sideline during the fourth quarter Friday at Scott City. The Rams defeated the Red Devils 68-44. (Laura Simon)

Chaffee junior Alex Crowe, who was 11 of 12 at the free-throw line, finished with 20 points. No other Red Devils player scored more than six points.

"We really wanted to avenge that loss," said Cotner, who also had a team-high 15 rebounds. "We lost to them by four points in the Christmas tournament and it was kind of a big letdown. It's a big rivalry there. We were glad to come back here, home court, have all our fans and the support of all our hometown here, and avenge that loss."

Chaffee 6 15 12 11 -- 44

Scott City 17 22 7 22 -- 68

CHAFFEE (44) -- Alex Crowe 20, Blake Senciboy 5, Michael Rutherford 6, Jason Cicardi 1, Jordan Yahn 4, Alex Davie 4, Andrew Terhune 4. FG 11, FT 20-29, F 18. (3-pointers: Crowe 1, Senciboy 1. Fouled out: Cicardi)

SCOTT CITY (68) -- Nathan Arnzen 2, Logan Henson 2, Landon Robert 16, Hunter Cox 6, Justin Modglin 1, Zach Cotner 28, Ryan Fortner 1, Bryan Brock 10, Austin Tapley 2. FG 27, FT 11-18, F 25. (3-pointers: Cotner 3. Fouled out: none)

JV -- Scott City won 50-41