Portageville tops Twin Rivers

POPLAR BLUFF - The Portageville Bulldogs defeated the Twin Rivers Royals on Saturday in the Holiday Shootout at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff.

It was a battle of two of the top Class 2A teams in the area. With the score tied 39-39 entering the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs were able to hold the Royals to only eight points in the final frame to pull out the win.

"We really didn't get anything out of our big guys," said Twin Rivers coach Scott Kruse. "We didn't have anyone step up in the first half and take charge. We came out and played two mediocre quarters."

The Bulldogs got a big game out of senior Bryant Sims, who led the team with 12 points. J.T. Williams followed up with 11 points.

Twin Rivers' 6-8 center Steve Deken had 12 point to lead the Royals, but no other player reached double figures.

Portageville led 27-22 at the half but the Royals were able to tie things up in the third quarter.

CHARLESTON - The visiting Hazelwood Central Hawks from St. Louis used a big second half to pull away from the Bluejays, 65-53.

The Hawks led just 34-32 at halftime, but outscored Charleston 31-21 in the second half.

Hazelwood Central got 19 points out of John Boggio with seven assists. Kalen Grimes, a 6-foot-8, 270-pound center, had 13 points. Aaron Jackson had 12 and Ryan Reese added 11.

Charleston (2-3) got a season-high 21 points out of freshman Ashton Farmer. Jordy Mixon followed up with 16 points.

The Hawks (5-1) recorded seven blocks and 16 steals in the game led by Reese's seven picks.