DIAMOND, Mo. — College Heights and Miller found themselves in a defensive battle with the Cardinals coming away with a 37-26 win in the Gem City Classic semifinals on Thursday.
“We went cold in the third quarter and tried to force too many passes,” CHC coach John Blankenship said to SoMo Sports. “A little more dribble penetration and patience in getting the ball reversed would have been advantageous for us. However, I am really proud of my team for hanging in there with the third-ranked team in the state. They are a very solid basketball team on both ends of the court.”
The shorthanded Cougars, playing without Addie Lawrence, were led by Libby Fanning’s double-double of 13 points and 15 rebounds. Kinley Marsh added seven rebounds and a steal.
CHC matches up with East Newton in the third-place game on Saturday.
THOMAS JEFFERSON BOYS 63, GALENA 51 (WEDNESDAY)
Thomas Jefferson boys took an early lead before trailing by the intermission, only to rally back down the stretch for a win in the semifinal round of the Gem City Classic on Wednesday at Diamond High School.
The Cavaliers took an 18-12 lead into the second period before trailing by two at the intermission. Galena (Missouri) pushed the lead to five by the start of the fourth quarter before Thomas Jefferson outscored the Bears 21-4 in the final eight minutes to rally for the win.
Jay Ball had a double-double with 33 points and 23 rebounds. The rebound total tied a school record. Tyler Brouhard had 11 points and 10 rebounds to also record a double-double. Kip Atteberry had nine points, including two 3-pointers, while Kohl Thurman added six points and Levi Triplett four.
Thomas Jefferson advances to the boys championship game with a matchup against El Dorado Springs at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.
MCAULEY 42, DIAMOND 31 (WEDNESDAY)
Seventh-seeded McAuley boys basketball went into halftime tied with third-seeded Diamond and outscored the host Wildcats 28-17 in the second half to earn a consolation-bracket victory in the Gem City Classic.
“I am really proud of our effort,” McAuley coach Tony Witt said. “This is a good win for us moving forward. I am extremely proud of our guys.”
The Warriors earned their first win of the season after taking control of the contest by outscored Diamond 14-5 in the third period and never relinquished the lead down the stretch.
Noah Black had 18 points, while Rocco Bazzano-Joseph finished with 11.
Ty McDermontt led Diamond with 14 points.
McAuley matches up with Carthage JV in the fifth-place game on Saturday.
