SCOTT COUNTY UNANIMOUS NO. 1 PICK IN AREA

KENNETT - With three more blowout victories behind them, Scott County Central was again the unanimous choice for the top spot in this week's SEMO Prep Basketball poll, released Thursday.

The Braves (14-0) routed East Carter County Saturday (90-57), Scott City Monday (94-50) and Kelly Tuesday (93-50) and grabbed each of the 12 first-place votes.

Cape Central, despite wins over Kennett and St. Vincent, dropped two spots to ninth in the poll.

Portageville, which held on to the number two spot, came away with a big 25-point win against Caruthersville in the tough Bootheel Conference on Tuesday to hold on to the poll's second spot.

The Bulldogs (13-0) will host South Pemiscot tonight before facing perhaps their toughest test of the season next Tuesday at No. 3 North Pemiscot.

The Mustangs (13-1) captured the crown of the Senath Tournament over the weekend and then beat both New Madrid (54-52) and Hayti (64-56) earlier this week. They face Southland in what should be a tuneup for Portageville.

Fourth-ranked Charleston (11-2) lost their second straight last Friday against previously unranked Sikeston before dumping East Prairie by 50. The Blue Jays face fifth-ranked Malden on Tuesday.

The Green Wave (9-4) continued their impressive play with a 20-point win over Twin Rivers while Sikeston, which entered the poll at No. 6, pounded South Pemisoct to go along with its 60-59 win over the Blue Jays.

Dexter dropped one spot to sixth although the Bearcats (10-1) did not lose a game.

Richland (12-2) was eighth followed by Central (10-2) at ninth, with Bernie (12-3) and New Madrid (5-6) tying for tenth.