Bell City Cubs aiming high after starting 2025 with big win

Bell City's Juan Hernandez dribbles the ball during a game against Zalma on Tuesday, Jan. 7, in Zalma, Mo.

Tony Capobianco ~ tcapobianco@semoball.com

ZALMA, Mo. — Bell City started the new year in a big way with an overwhelming 79-14 win on the road against Zalma on Tuesday, Jan. 7, in Zalma, Mo.

The Cubs, who finished 8-18 last year, improved to 6-5 on the season including 3-1 against Class 1 District 2 opponents. It's not enough for the Cubs to be searching for their first winning season since 2016 (14-11).

They believe a district title is finally within reach.

"That's definitely a goal, to be playing for a district title," Bell City head coach Luke Bixler said. "We've circled the February 28 date."

Junior Juan Hernandez led the way for the Cubs by scoring 24 points through the first three quarters.

"Good for his confidence," Bixler said. "I kind of felt like he's put a lot of pressure on himself, and he doesn't feel like he's scoring the ball as well as he would like, but tonight, just to be able to see the ball go through the go for him, I'm sure it's a confidence booster for him."

Hernandez has been the Cubs' leading scorer throughout the season, one that has seen rare success such as their first Oran Invitational Tournament title in 19 years and their first opening-round victory in the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament since 2016.

"He's a big piece to our offense," Bixler said. "Anytime you can get easy buckets and get going, then that's gonna help us out."

Bell City went from a 3-0 start to a 2-5 skid without their leading forwards, Kale Richardson. Senior forward Baylor Eftink has since filled that void with a 12-point performance against Zalma.

"Baylor has been phenomenal," Bixley said. "Obviously (Richardson's) a big piece of our offense, but Baylor definitely stepped up and took on that leadership role and be a little bit more vocal. So that's cool to see."

Blake Jarrell scored 12 points and Logan Pikey added 10 points for the Cubs.

Junior point guard Jake Asher wasn't among the 10 Bell City players to score a point but he played a part in much of the scoring with his passing and defense.

"Jake's been great," Bixler said. "I trust him with the ball in his hands. He's gonna make the right decision. He's a very high IQ Player, and so just to see him attack him when he can attack, he doesn't really try to do too much. He stays within himself and he takes care of the ball 90% of the time with us, bringing it up, and running our offense."

Bell City returns home on Friday for a much-needed three-game homestand, starting with Risco on Jan. 10.