Unhappy Homecoming: Cape Central avenges loss, plays spoiler against Mules

In an anticipated rematch, the Poplar Bluff High School Mules didn’t have enough to surpass its opponent.

It was homecoming night for the Mules, but they would have their hands full on Friday against an eager Cape Central squad seeking revenge. The Mules went head-to-head with the Tigers in a Class 5 District 1 matchup, and the fans could expect an intense battle as two elite teams in the conference battled on the court.

Despite the Mules playing with a consistent flow in the first half, an explosion from the Tigers in the second would present them with a loss of 82-54, where the Mules fall to 11-8 on the season.

Poplar Bluff’s assistant coach, Aaron Duncan, said a strong run from the Tigers in the second half was the difference maker. He said their size in the paint played a factor as they struggled in the post.

“It was a tough loss,” Duncan said. “They did a really good job attacking us on the glass and muscled us around in the paint, and we just couldn’t do much about it. We have to attack the basket more and be strong with the ball. As for this loss, we have to learn from it and be better for their next game.”

The last encounter between the two was at the 2024 SEMO Conference Tournament, where the Mules defeated the Tigers 64-60 to claim third place. Though the Mules are 1-4 in its last five matchups against the Tigers, snagging a win early in the season held a lot of weight entering the contest.

Both teams stepped onto the court with a solid balance on both ends of the floor. The Tigers caught fire early by connecting with back-to-back threes from guard Marquel Murray, setting the tone. The Mules connected with some solid shots as well and stayed in close proximity for most of the first quarter.

After holding a 38-28 lead at the half, the Tigers exploded in the second half with multiple shots from beyond the arch, extending the gap. The Tigers refused to let up on the Mules, proving that this wasn’t the same team from the SEMO tournament.

Getting inside the paint was the Mules’ bread and butter in the first half, but the Tigers managed to clog up the lanes with their intense defense.

The Mules attempted to make a run in the third, but the offensive explosion from the Tigers would put an end to any chances of a comeback story. Stepping into the fourth, the clock was the only obstacle in the way of the Tigers’ win.

Senior Mar’Lon Hickman-Roberson led the Mules with 18 points, Isaiah Nevel had 10 with four rebounds and Preston Moore had nine points with six rebounds and three assists.

Murray led the Tigers with 22 points, while Jay Reynolds added with 18 points.

Cape Central head coach Drew Church said it felt good to avenge the loss they suffered from the Mules earlier in the season.

“It feels good to get this win back,” Church said. “They’re always tough down here. Bluff is hard to play against. They play extremely hard, they’re physical and they’re well coached. Everything has been going well for us because we’re finally getting healthy. We still have one more guy that we’re getting back here in the next few games, so it’s good to see us play some good basketball and be unselfish.”

Church said the Tigers must keep grinding with its tough schedule ahead. He said the goal is to put the team through a lot of adversity so they’re prepared for anything when districts roll around.

The Mules will be back in Poplar Bluff Gymnasium as they host New Madrid County (15-1) on Tuesday. The Tigers will hit the road to take on Vashon High School on Saturday.