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March 23, 2009 Check Out previous Blogs
While school sizes may have been smaller this week in the Show-me Showdown II, the energy, excitement, and overall buzz about the games had not diminished one bit.
Scott County Central, guided by the legendary Coach Ronnie Cookson, was highly ballyhooed prior to the weekend. The Braves, who averaged over 85 ppg, all five starters brought in double digit averages, had broken the 100 point barrier five times and only losses were to much larger schools by narrow margins completely demolished the opponents. Newtown-Harris lost 98-63 to the 13 time State Champion Braves (each title under Coach Cookson) in the Championship game. Motivated by remarks the previous evening by Coach Cool of Newtown-Harris, the Braves shattered the record for most points in a half as they went wild in the first half and scored 64 points. They coasted home with 98. Coach Cookson has already talked like this might be his final game. Remember, he returned from retirement this year. Amazingly, Coach won his first title in 1976 and at one juncture had six years of continuous state titles! Generally, we would wax on the outstanding attributes of this highly talented team. However, in this case, you have to marvel at Ronnie Cookson and his coaching technique and style.
On the other end of the spectrum, Cardinal Ritter Lady Lions came out of no-where! 2nd in the Archdiocesan Athletic Association Conference behind class 4 powerhouse, St. Dominic, the Lions (21-4) needed a last second shot to advance to Columbia when they knocked off Metro in the District Championship. Despite having one of their key scorers, Hazaria Washington, held to only two free throws, the Lions surprised Fair Grove in the semifinals 45-41 as Brianna McCullough scored a career high 21 points. It wasn't over when Hazaria Washington made 1 of 2 free throws with 7 seconds remaining to put the Lions ahead of Skyline 50-49 in the Championship game. The Lady Tigers raced down the court took a 7 footer, rebounded and shot the put-back but nothing fell ! IT was a great ending !! Cardinal Ritter wins their first STATE TITLE in girls basketball on their first trip to Columbia.
Sometimes being heavily favored puts an real albatross on the heads of the players and coaches. Maplewood Richmond-Heights won the class 3 title last year. Their key players were returning. They were the pre-tournament favorites of many observers. However, a talented, determined Whitfield team had other ideas. In the early going, Julian Johnson drove to the rim, pulled up for strong short jumpers and it was tied at 28 when the halftime buzzer sounded. As in the semis, Bryant Allen came alive in the 3rd quarter, his log smooth jump shots, twisting layups came to the forefront. Not alone by any means, the Blue Devils finished with four players in double figures (the 5th starter had 9 points!) and gradually pulled away to a 73-55 repeat title. Starters- Bryant Allen, Bryton Hobbs, Les Williams, Calvin Belts and Charles Brooks were guided masterfully by Corey Frazier. Coach Frazier was animated early in the game as he was working on waking up his sleeping giant. His halftime talk did the trick! Congratulations to the Blue Devils staff, team and community for the back-back titles.
lass 2 boys had two highly successful coaches on the pine. Coach Steve Coombs (Harrisburg-2 state titles,239-108) & Coach Rich Bidewell (Portageville-4 state titles,541-173) had plenty of experience and expertise and talent on the court. Portageville bolted to an early lead with some great outside shooting and maintained it throughout the game as they won 60-55.
The Sparta Lady Trojans capped a perfect 31-0 season with a 56-49 victory in the Class 2 Title game over Canton. This team used a stifling defense, flexible offense with unselfish offensive play to wrap up the title. Coach Jerry Songer impeccable season saw just one OT victory in the school's first girls basketball championship. There could be more-- there were only 2 seniors on the roster !
Class 1 girls action, saw the Exeter Tigers go 30-1 as they whipped Marion County 56-31 in the title tilt. Using 6-1 Senior Whitney Edie (who average 25.96 ppg) as the go-to person, the Tigers saw her hit her average (25 points) in the win. The only loss came to a Class 2 finalish-Couch in mid season. Exeter records its first state girls basketball championship with the win.
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