Tonjum and Hellebusch’s big nights lead Panthers past SCC

The Meadow Heights Panthers defeated the Scott County Central Braves 63-37 in the First State Community Bank Holiday Classic consolation semi-final on Monday at the Show Me Center. Cheyanne Tonjum and Rachael Hellebusch combined for 43 points to take the Panthers into the consolation final.

Meadow Heights jumped out to an early 7-0 lead before SCC used a timeout, the break proved useful for the Braves as they switched to a press defense and pulled to within four to end the first 13-9. Panthers head coach Tim Winkler said as far as turnovers go this was the best game his team has played.

“This was the best game we played all season as far as not turning the ball over and making silly passes, although we made our share of those. We did a nice job defensively so I’m pleased,” Winkler said. “In the last three games, we went into the locker room at halftime either winning or tied and we got blown out in the second half, we didn't let that happen tonight.”

Meadow Heights figured out how to get by SCC’s tough press defense and went on a 15-7 run to start the second quarter. The Panthers cleaned up those few first-quarter turnovers and took a 30-16 lead into the halftime break. Winkler said his team just took their time against the press and did a good job of not freaking out when they saw it.

“We just took our time against it. There are too many times when teams get excited when they see a press,” Winkler said. “I keep trying to tell them ‘a press is only as good as you make it,’ and if you keep your passes tight and throw in a couple of ball fakes a lot of good things can happen. We made some positive things happen against the press tonight.”

In the second half, the Panthers took over and did not allow SCC to get any offense going. The reserves got put in early and Meadow Heights cruised to the 63-37 victory. The Panthers will meet the Oak Ridge Blue Jays on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. for the consolation championship.