GAME 1: Scott Central 88, Delta 24

By Rachel Crader ~ Special to Semoball.com

Scott County Central and coach Ronnie Cookson began its quest for their first Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament since 1990 with a dominating victory Friday at the Show-Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

The top-seeded Braves defeated No. 16 Delta 88-24 in the opening game of this year's tournament.

Scott County Central scored the game's first 19 points and led by 50 points at halftime. Cookson may have been the only person not impressed by his team's offensive display, which included two dunks in the second quarter.

"Most of these kids like to sleep to about dinner, but we played fair," Cookson said, referring to the game's 9 a.m. start. "Delta's not really that bad of a ballclub, so I thought we played decent, but we're going to have to play better."

Eleven players scored for the Braves while just six dressed and played for the Bobcats.

Drew Thomas had a game-high 31 points and Bobby Hatchett added 16.

Thomas, who unleashed several screams throughout the game as layups and free throws rimmed out for him, said he wasn't bothered by the early start but still thought the Braves could have played better.

"We're not hitting the shots that we usually hit right now," he said. "I think I'm missing too many easy shots around the bucket a little bit. The shots I'm missing I should be hitting, and the shots I'm hitting, I don't know how I'm making."

While critical of their own play, the Braves were complimentary of Delta.

"I thought Delta's kids really played hard, and we had them (out-sized) and everything," Cookson said. "I thought they played hard. They've got a big heart."

First-year Delta coach Justin Simpher admitted he thought his team was intimidated at the beginning.

"We've still got room for improvement, but at the same time, all six of my guys went out there and played hard and that's what I've asked for them to do all year and they've done that," Simpher said.

Scott County Central will face the winner of the contest between Meadow Heights and Kelly, which is scheduled for 9 tonight, and Delta will face the loser.

DELTA (24) -- Teddy May 4, Cody Helderman 2, Zach Reigert 2, Cody Naramore 4, Cody Schremp 8, Shelby Kight 4. FG 8, FT 8-13, F 17. (3-pointers: non. Fouled out: none.)

SCOTT COUNTY CENTRAL (88) -- Alan Timmons 2, Bobby Hatchet 16, Nick Johnson 2, Desmin Williams 2, Drew Thomas 31, John Rhoden 1, Randy Timmons 9, JacQuan Cowley 2, Chris Blissett 8, Otto Porter 11, Rashaad Brown 2. FG 36, FT 15-26, F 13. (3-pointers: Blissett 1. Fouled out: Rhoden.)