The plot thickens for the semifinal round

After two days the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament has gone according to plan, with no upsets to speak of.

While there has not been an upset that does not mean the tournament has been void of excitement. From brawls in the stands, near-brawls on the court and one spectacular weekend for Bell City guard Dominitrix Johnson, the Christmas tournament has had plenty to keep the fans attention.

Today's matchups will be headlined by the first meeting between Central coach Derek McCord and his former team the Scott City Rams when the teams meet in a 7:30 p.m. semifinal.

"They're big and they can shoot the ball," McCord said of the Rams. "It will be a tough one for us."

McCord compiled a record of 216-70 in 10 years as head coach at Scott City, won four district titles and twice appeared in the state quarterfinals. During his tenure Scott City made its only Christmas tournament championship appearances, with a Christmas tournament title in 1999.

"It was a lot of fun, I had a good run there," McCord said.

On the other bench will be first-year coach Lance Amick, who played under McCord. Amick has the Rams out to a 7-0 start.

"There's a lot of excitement surrounding the game," Amick said. "It's a special situation. Coach McCord has done a lot for me."

In the other semifinal No. 1 Charleston will face No. 4 Jackson (9-1) at 6 p.m.

Charleston (9-0) is looking for its third straight Christmas tournament title, a streak they started with a win over Jackson in 2001. The Blue Jays enter the game ranked No. 1 in the state in Class 3.

"Once you get it then you try to come and defend your title," Charleston coach Danny Farmer said. "Every year we're here we want it."

Tournament notes

A fight broke out against two fans at halftime during the Scott City-Oran game on Friday. Both men were separated and escorted out of the building.

A fight for a loose ball during the Notre Dame-Charleston game on Saturday led to heated words between Blue Jays coach Danny Farmer and Notre Dame coach Darrin Scott right before halftime. Both coaches received technicals with no real carry over into the second half.

"If you compete these things happen, and we're very competitive," Farmer said.

Bell City senior guard Dominitrix Johnson has had his way with Christmas tournament competition so far. Through two games Johnson has 90 points, a point total which surpasses the two-day scoring totals of both Chaffee and Oak Ridge.

jjoffray@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 171