Peters scores 33, leads Kelly to victory over Advance

Kelly's Ross Peters stands at halfcourt for a free-throw attempt during a December 28, 2023 Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament fifth-place semifinal game between the Kelly Hawks and the Oak Ridge Bluejays at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Cole Lee ~ clee@semoball.com

ORAN, Mo. — After a 30-point performance in the opening round of the 69th annual Oran Invitational Tournament, Ross Peters, the reigning Scott-Mississippi Conference Player of the Year, kept the scoring barrage going, dropping 33 points to lead Kelly to a 73-67 win over Advance in the consolation bracket on Thursday, Dec. 5.

"Offensively, we played well," said Kelly coach Noel Trimmer. "I asked Peters to up his game from last year and he has. He gets everyone's top defender every night, and right now, he's has really elevated his game. Our defensive effort was good but we will need to improve on it as the season progresses. It's early and we have a long way to go."

The Hawks (1-1) showcased a strong offensive lineup with Skyler Still contributing 13 points and Truman White adding 11.

The Hornets (0-2) had notable performances from Brison Winchester and Remington Pixley, each scoring 14, and Jameson Hamlin with 12.

Kelly’s tournament started with a narrow 64-62 loss to Westwood Baptist in the opening round on Tuesday, Dec. 3. In addition to Peters’ game-high 30, Stll provided crucial support with 23.

The Hawks relied heavily on the dup, while the Eagles (1-1) employed a more balance offensive atttack with Cody VanDover (20), Robbie Dodd (13), Gage Barker (12), and Anden Moore (12) all reaching double digits.

Kelly trailed for most of the game but finally gained the lead in the third quarter.

However, the final two minutes of the game highlighted areas for improvement as the Hawks missed some clutch shots and committed several turnovers, mistakes that are often symptomatic of a developing team.

“We missed some big shots and made some silly turnovers,” Trimmer said “That happens when you have young kids playing.

We only got one kid back who played varsity basketball last year. We’re making improvements.”

These moments of inconsistency underscore the importance of experience and composure, elements that Trimmer is keen to instill as the season progresses.

“We’re just trying to figure out who we are,” Trimmer said. “For the first game of the year, I am not unhappy. We want to win, but we also want to grow and learn, which I think we did.”

Kelly will face Oran (1-1) in the consolation championship on Friday at 5 p.m.

KELLY 73, ADVANCE 67

Advance (67) — Brison Winchester 14, Remington Pixley 14, Jameson Hamlin 12, Hunter Rodgers 9, Brodie Rodgers 8, Jacob Jones 4, Morgan Swinford 2, Drake Ford 2, Colbey Roper 2. FG: 24. FT: 18-25. F: 19. (3-pointers: Hamlin 1. Fouled out: Hamlin.)

Kelly (73) — Ross Peters 33, Skyler Still 13, Truman White 11, Griffin Pass 7, Grady Hall 5, Hunter Kirk 2, Kaleb Yount 1, Preston Appleton 1. FG: 30. FT: 10-24. F: 23. (3-pointers: Peters 3, White 1, Hall 1. Fouled out: Hall.)

__WESTWOOD BAPTIST 62, KELLY 62

Westwood Baptist (64) — Cody VanDover 20, Robbie Dodd 13, Gage Barker 12, Anden Moore 12, Caleb Smith 7. FG: 24. FT: 8-15. F: 12. (3-pointers: Barker 4, VanDover 3, Dodd 1. Fouled out: None.)

Kelly (62) — Ross Peters 30, Skyler Still 23, Griffin Pass 3, Preston Appleton 2, Hunter Kirk 2, Truman White 2. FG: 27. FT: 6-13. F: 21. (3-pointers: Peters 2. Fouled out: Still.)