Smith and Bogan lead Portageville in stunner over Kelly

BENTON, Mo. — Portageville spoiled Kelly's Senior Night celebration with a surprising 73-50 victory on Tuesday, Feb. 6.

The Bulldogs (15-7) overcame an early deficit to impose their physical style on the Hawks (18-5) and pull away for the decisive win.

“The boys competed their tails off on the defensive end,” said Portageville coach TJ Smith. “We played good, physical basketball which helped equalize their size advantage. We were also able to use that effort to get some offense going in transition.”

While Xayvion Bogan, Portageville's smallest player, might not have looked intimidating, his quick first step proved unstoppable. He repeatedly sliced through Kelly's defense, getting to the basket at will and contributing significantly to the victory.

“Offensively played unselfish basketball,” coach Smith said. “The ball was moving and finding its way to open kids ready to shoot.”

Leading the offensive charge for the Bulldogs was Jamarion Smith with a game-high 21 points. His scoring prowess fueled their momentum and kept the Hawks at bay.

“[Smith and Bogan] were tremendous offensively making shots and finishing at the rim,” coach Smith said. “[Aaron Dunlap] was phenomenal defensively. Connor Jeffries played outstanding down low, taking three charges and limiting Kelly’s center to just six points.”

Reece Eftink was Kelly’s leading scorer with 20 points.

Portageville will host Charleston (11-12) while Kelly travels to East Prairie (17-4) on Friday, Feb. 9.

__PORTAGEVILLE 73, KELLY 50__

P’Ville 13 23 18 19 — 73

Kelly 14 10 15 11 — 50

Portageville (73) — Jamarion Smith 21, Xayvion Bogan 18, Brandon West 8, Aaron Dunlap 8, Mason Adams 7, Connor Jeffries 7, Tim Hamilton 2, AJ Larry 2. FG: 32. FT: 4-8. F: 10. (3-pointers: Smith 3, Adams 1, West 1. Fouled out: None.)

Kelly (50) — Reece Eftink 20, Gavin Dugan 6, Dalton Forck 6, Tucker Miller 5, Michael Dollins 4, Ross Peters 4, Hayden Propst 3, Cannon Kirkpatrick 2. FG: 22. FT: 2-7. F: 14. (3-pointers: Dollins 1, Miller 1, Porpst 1. Fouled out: None.)