Scott City earns third 20-win season since 2012

A fourth-quarter surge led to Scott City beating East Prairie 60-52 on Monday, Feb. 12, in Scott City, Mo.

The Rams (20-4) won their 20th game for the first time since 2020, which was their last district championship. What's most impressive is three of their last four wins came against teams with at least 18 wins.

“It’s a credit to our kids,” Scott City head coach Mark Dannenmueller said.

A program still looking for its first appearance in the state final four, Scott City has only won 20 games three times since 2012, with both seasons resulting in district titles. The Rams still have an opportunity to finish the regular season with more than 20 wins for the first time. Scott City travels to Memphis to take on St. Paul Lutheran at the home of the Grizzlies on Wednesday, and then to Notre Dame on Thursday, Feb. 15, for the final game.

“It’s a really good year but we’re not finished yet,” Dannenmueller said. "We're not satisfied with it. We want to keep playing well and find ways to win tough games. This was a tough game against a really good team."

The Rams have also completed an undefeated home slate this season, an accomplishment that will stay with this year’s senior class beyond graduation. Mark Panagos scored 13 points and Brenden Beussink added 10 in their final home game.

“That's an awesome accomplishment,” Dannenmueller said. “Proud of our six seniors. I love them to death. I wish we could have a few more here but unfortunately, we don't. So I was happy to get the wins.”

Scott City won all nine home games this season after winning only 11 last year and going 4-5 at home.

“It's awesome,” Beussink said. “It's definitely something I've never done before. The last couple of years, we've kind of struggled to end with winning seasons.”

Beussink was a freshman the last time Scott City had a winning season. Panagos returned from a year-long hiatus and the arrival of Kobe Watson transformed a team that was already coming to their own.

We've added a lot of pieces," Beussink said. "We've had many people step up and fill roles, freshmen coming in just added a bunch of height and our defense definitely improved."

The game was tied 44-44 entering the fourth quarter. Scott City went off to a 10-4 run entering the final period and took a commanding lead late in the game. Watson scored 10 of his team-leading 19 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Rams in clutch time.

The Rams made four baskets from the three-point line in the first quarter to take a 19-12 lead. The Eagles soared back with an 18-9 second quarter to go into halftime leading 31-28.

Beussink, Panagos, Watson, and Jackson Gloth each scored four points to tie the game after the third quarter. The Rams' defense then held the Eagles to eight points in the fourth quarter to seal the win.

"Our kids just made plays," Dannenmueller said. "Sometimes, coaching is overrated. Sometimes you can get in the way of your players. Our kids just stepped up and made plays but I thought the most important thing was what we did defensively."

Connor Marcum and Noah Johnson each scored 14 points for East Prairie, while Evan Kenedy added 10 points. The Eagles previously fell to the Rams in the semifinal round of the Scott-Miss Tournament.

The Eagles will close out the regular season with home games against Malden on Tuesday, Feb. 13, and against Portageville on Thursday, Feb. 15, before opening the Class 3 District 1 Tournament against Twin Rivers.

After Scott City plays Notre Dame on Thursday, the Rams will remain there for the Class 3 District 2 Tournament, hosted by the Bulldogs. Dannenmueller said there can be an advantage to playing at the home of the district hosts before the tournament.

"We mentioned that to the players," Dannenmueller said. "It helps when you go up there, you get the shooting background and all that stuff, and hopefully get a little familiar with it. Hopefully, that can carry over to help us the next week."