GAME 8: Kelly 80, Meadow Heights 61

The first-day finale at the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament annually pits the two closest seeds -- Nos. 8 and 9.

But with the exception of Meadow Heights' run in the second quarter and early part of the third period, No. 8 seed Kelly was the better of the two teams Friday night.

With an 80-61 win, Kelly advances to play top-seeded Scott County Central on Saturday at the Show Me Center in the 4:30 p.m.

The Hawks built a 21-15 lead before Meadow Heights rallied within 33-32 at the half. The Panthers scored the first basket of the second half before Kelly went on a run to take a 58-47 lead after three periods.

The Hawks continued to stretch it out in the final quarter.

Zach Essner had 23 points to lead Kelly while Josh DeBrock added 14 and Ryan Essner scored 13.

Ethan Mayfield led Meadow Heights with 12.

MEADOW HEIGHTS (61) -- Dustin Hubler 11, Derrick Wilfong 6, Tyler Brune 2, Luke Nitsch 4, Ethan Mayfield 12, Zac Hotop 9, Trever Hotop 8, Tyler Welker 9. FG 25, FT 8-15, F 23. (3-pointers: Hubler 1, Z. Hotop 1, T. Hotop 1. Fouled out: none.)

KELLY (80) -- Michael Fisher 1, Ryan Essner 13, Josh DeBrock 14, Brett Harper 4, Mark Burger 2, Levi Felter 10, Dustin Crowden 2, Zach Essner 23, Eric Turley 11. FG 30, FT 17-31, F 17. (3-pointers: Essner 1, Felter 2. Fouled out: none.)