Scott County Central steals comeback victory from Poplar Bluff

SIKESTON — Down by 11 points at the break, Scott County Central refused to go down without a fight, embarking on a remarkable second-half comeback to silence Poplar Bluff 50-47 on Tuesday, November 21.

Emerging from the locker room with a renewed sense of determination, the Bravettes (2-0) transformed into a defensive juggernaut, stifling the Lady Mules’ (0-2) offense, paving the way for their eventual triumph.

“It was an ugly game with two starters battling foul trouble but the other girls stepped up and fought to the end,” said SCC coach Andrew Pullen. “I’m just so proud of them. I biggest thing I liked seeing was girls who normally don’t get a lot of playing time, come in and contribute. They stepped in and helped us succeed. It was wonderful.”

Scott County Central's Camarie Perdue (5) passes ahead to a teammate�during a 50-47 win over Poplar Bluff on Tuesday, November 21, 2023.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

Scott County Central scored nine unanswered points to open the second half and narrow the lead to 29-27 after a 3-pointer from Ellie Britt, a layup by Camarie Perdue and back-to-back offensive putbacks by Nikki Adams.

However, Poplar Bluff held onto a 39-33 advantage at the end of the third quarter.

“We told them at halftime that there’s not a 12-point shot,” Pullen said. “So we weren’t going to get it all back on one play. We just had to chip away and keep fighting.”

Poplar Bluff's�Adrianne Casey (4) puts up a shot�during a 50-47 loss at Scott County Central on Tuesday, November 21, 2023.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

After opening the fourth quarter with an inside score to make it 41-33, the Lady Mules seemed to have the game in control.

But, the Bravettes refused to give up and went on a 14-0 run to take a 47-41 lead. Maddy Carlisle kick-started the run with a 3-pointer, a steal and a layup.

Scott County Central’s stifling defense turned up the heat in the fourth quarter, forcing turnovers and converting them into easy baskets on the other end.

Scott County Central's Nikki Adams (12) buries a couple of clutch free throws�during a 50-47 win over Poplar Bluff on Tuesday, November 21, 2023.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

Perdue had an impressive block, Lainey Glueck and Carlisle each had a strong finish in transition and Reagan Evans had consecutive buckets to cap off the run.

“[Carlisle and Evans] are our two seniors and they came out this year ready to play,” Pullen said. “It all started with their effort in practice. They want to go out on a winning note this year.”

Credited with running the offense, Pullen lauded his Perdue’s ability to maintain tempo and ensure involvement from all players.

“She does a great job of running our offense and getting the ball where it needs to be,” he said. “It’s hard to ask a sophomore to do the things I ask her to do, but she puts up with me and gets the ball where it needs to be.”

Poplar Bluff made a late push, cutting the lead to 48-47 with 55.1 seconds left, but Scott County Central held on for the win thanks to some clutch free throws down the stretch by Nikki Adams.

“[Adams] is a load,” Pullen said. “She’s the backbone of this team with her toughness, rebounding and doing all of the dirty work.”

Carlisle led the Bravettes with 14 points, followed by Perdue with 12, Evans with nine, Adams with eight, Glueck with five, and Britt with three. Kennedy Zyganor was Poplar Bluff’s leading scorer with 15 points.

Scott County Central travels to Neelyville (0-0), while Poplar Bluff will compete in the SEMO Conference Tournament on Monday, November 27.

“We’re going to celebrate this one a little bit, but then we are going to get back to work,” Pullen said. “We’re not going to settle for a couple of good wins this season. Our goal is to advance as far as possible. I beefed our schedule up some class 4 and 5 schools and hopefully by the end of the regular season we will be clicking on all cylinders.”

__SCOTT COUNTY CENTRAL 50, POPLAR BLUFF 47__

Poplar Bluff 15 14 10 8 — 47

SCC 16 2 15 17 — 50

__Poplar Bluff (47) —__ Kennedy Zyganor 15, Abby Wilson 11, Avery Casey 8, Adrianne Casey 5, Kenzie Kendle 4, Ireland Gowen 4. FG: 19. FT: 5-7. F: 21. (3-pointers: Wilson 2. Fouled out: None.)

__Scott County Central (50) —__ Maddie Carlisle 14, Camarie Perdue 12, Regan Evans 9, Nikki Adams 8, Lainey Glueck 5 Ellie Britt 3. FG: 18. FT: 9-15. F: 11. (3-pointers: Perdue 2, Carlisle 2, Britt 1. Fouled out: none.)