Semoball

Cape Central's season ends

Cape Central's Kinyon Hodges (23) prepares to dunk late in the fourth quarter as the Tigers' closed in on victory over the Sikeston Bulldogs during a game at Cape Central Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019.
Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian

St. Mary’s and Collins ends Central’s Dream Season

HILLSBORO — What Cape Central did much of the season was jump on opponents early and often. However, a shift in momentum would allow St. Mary’s to go on a run and keep the Tigers at bay, ultimately ended the dream season, 68-62. Yuri Collins led all scorers with 31 points. Kinyon Hodges had 25 points for the Tigers. A teary-eyed Drew Church praised his team for their effort and also of St. Mary’s team. “They(St. Mary’s) are a great team and playing perhaps their best ball of the season.” He said. “Collins was amazing out there and quite the player.”

The first quarter was just that as Kinyon Hodges got the pass off the tip from Chauncey Hughes to get the scoring starting in the first 10 seconds. Caleb Oswald buried a three putting Central up 7-2 early. Hodges buried a Trey of his own after being denied on a Jam. The Tigers jumped out quickly 15-4 and lead by six at the end of the first quarter. The Tigers had five offensive rebounds as well in the opening frame.

The second quarter however saw St. Mary’s use the size, led by 6’6 Donovan Parker. He had nine points and nine blocks. Central also saw their once double-digit lead evaporate in a hurry too. Though, undaunted, the Tigers regrouped to retake the lead. But a 3-pointer saw lead trail for the first time at 26-25, that would be their final one as the pressure of the Dragons would lead to a 6-0 run that would put the Tigers down four 36-32 at the half. Central also had just four free throw attempts all game, converting four.

The second half started on a scary note as Chauncey Hughes went for a layup and fell to the court. He would get up on his own power and would return. Hodges would tip in a Tucker miss tying the game at 39 but St. Mary’s would quickly recapture the lead. St. Mary’s would then make an 8-0 run to open their lead to 48-41 after Oswald picked up his 4th foul. Hodges would add his third tip-in off his own miss making it 50-43 after three quarters. He had 19 points). Donovan Parker was a block machine for St. Mary’s having seven. When Oswald fouled out with seven minutes left, Central needed a gut check. They would get that from Hodges as he’d get a layup off a steal from teammate Triplett with Reddin assisting bring them to with one but back to back turnovers led to seven points and with two more free throws it was all but clinched. A last second dunk by Hodges closed the scoring and season for a team that was looking to make their first Final Four in 40 years. “I can’t come up with the words to describe how special this Team of young men are. Beyond this court, through the school and community, they are special young men.” Church said. The Tigers lose their top three scorers in Hodges, Hughes and Oswald.

Cape Central 18 14 11 19 – 62

St. Mary’s 12 24 14 18 – 68

CAPE CENTRAL(62) —Kinyon Hodges 25 Chauncey Hughes 15, Tyrus Reddin 4, Caleb Oswald 6, Doreante Tucker 8, Dorian Triplett 4 FG(23), FT( 4-5) F(17), (3-pointers:Hodges 2, Oswald 2). Fouled out: Oswald

ST. MARY’S (68) — Yuri Collins 31, Noah Hamilton 11, Wunya Brown 5, Sofara Rasas 10, Donovan Parker 9, Wiley 2 FG(21), FT( 17-21) F(13), (3-pointers:Collins, Hamilton, Parker). Fouled out: none

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