C2D3 BKB: Confident Advance creating 'February Frenzy' with another upset

Meadow Heights sophomore guard Mason Mayfield drives into the lane against the defense of Advance sophomore Jameson Hamlin (24) and senior Braylen Carlton (14) on Thursday in the semifinal round of the MSHSAA Class 2 District 3 Boy's Basketball Tournament at Bloomfield.

Tom Davis ~ Tdavis@semoball.com

BLOOMFIELD – The “madness” in basketball wasn’t supposed to begin until next month, however, Advance is creating its own version of “February Frenzy,” as it continues its improbable run to a possible District championship.

The No. 7-seed Hornets knocked off No. 3-seed Meadow Heights 69-53 on Thursday in the semifinal round of the MSHSAA Class 2 District 3 Boy’s Basketball Tournament at Bloomfield, and will, well, advance, to Saturday’s championship game against top-seed Puxico at 1 p.m.

“We struggled to contain the basketball,” second-year Panthers coach Mitch Nanney said following the game. “Advance would get into the lane and create some chaos, and then hit an open shooter.”

The Hornets (6-20) jumped on Meadow Heights (12-14) early and never let up.

Advance led 17-12 after one period and 36-24 by halftime, as senior forward Braylen Carlton totaled 14 of his 18 points in the opening half.

“We just kept attacking,” first-year Advance coach Dalton Wilson said. “We just kept attacking and working on our game.”

Advance led 53-36 entering the final period, as its players continued to grow in confidence. Wilson’s team has now won three consecutive games.

“These boys have never given up,” Wilson said of his group’s early struggles. “They are starting to really believe in themselves. It is fantastic to see these guys really get that confidence. I love to see them grow as individuals on the court.”

As good as Carlton was, Hornet senior guard Andrew Henson was just as impressive.

The 5-foot-7 shooter followed up a spectacular game against No. 2-seed Bloomfield with a 22-point outing on Thursday, as he buried six 3-pointers.

Advance sophomore Hunter Rodgers chipped in nine points while junior Brison Winchester had six points.

“Advance is very resilient,” Nanney said. “They don’t give in, and nothing seems to bother them.”

Meadow Heights was paced by senior Ranson Grindstaff, who scored 19 points.

Panther seniors Kaden Cook and Jayden Burr added eight and seven points, respectively.