Tigers cruise to win over shorthanded Eagles

There was a sense of anticipation heading into Thursday’s clash between the Cape Central Tigers and the New Madrid County Central Eagles.

Much of that anticipation was extinguished upon the announcement of the Eagles’ starting lineup as it didn’t include Jadis Jones or BJ Williamson.

“Those guys were banged up coming into this game,” Eagles coach Dontre Jenkins said. “With us losing against Sikeston we knew the conference title was basically wrapped up so we were just trying to get those guys a day of rest. We’re getting ready for the district tournament and didn’t want to come out and cause anybody to get hurt even more.”

Cape Central took advantage of the situation as the Tigers cruised to a 72-40 win over the Eagles.

“We weren’t going to let up just because their star athletes aren’t playing,” Tigers assistant coach James Lane told Ryan Winkler of 95.7 FM. “We came in and we handled business.”

Despite its two stars being out, New Madrid County Central came out with a punch as they were able to get good looks inside to stay in the game early.

“They held their own in the first quarter,” Jenkins said. “They came out and competed in that first quarter and I think it gave those guys some confidence.”

The Tigers however found their legs and quickly gained control, taking a 20-12 lead after the first quarter.

The level at which the Tigers were playing continued into the second quarter as their defense was able to string together stops on the way to a monster quarter for Cape Central.

The dominant defense allowed the Tigers to win the second quarter 27-5 and take a 47-17 lead into the locker room at halftime.

“One of the things we preach is that we have to build off things,” Lane said. “In the first quarter we played OK but then in the second quarter we really got after them.”

The intermission did nothing to cool off Cape Central as the Tigers continued to score as they led 64-27 entering the fourth.

Cape Central’s big lead was enough to allow the Tigers to cruise to the finish.

The Tigers were led by Marquel Murray who had 19 points and TySeanDre’ Edwards who had 18 points in the win.

Also scoring for Cape Central was Max Vogel, Jaydon Reynolds and Tyson Williams who all chipped in 7 points.

The Eagles were led by Marvion Cranford who poured in a game-high 20 points in the loss.

NMCC (22-3) begins play in the Class 3 District 1 Tournament at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22 at Portageville High School.

Cape Central (15-8) returns home for senior night at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 16, at Cape Central High School.