Doniphan downs Kennett in Bloomfield semifinals

Doniphan Dons guard Max Owens, a 6’3” senior hangs from the rim Thursday at the 66th annual Bloomfield Christmas Tournament.

Steve Hankins, Contributing Writer

BLOOMFIELD - Despite bench depth, immense talent and inspired coaching, the Kennett Indians were bested Thursday by a more-than prepared Doniphan Dons team 75-59 in the semifinals round of the 66th annual Bloomfield Christmas Tournament.

Kennett Head Coach Noll Billings didn't mince words after the standing-room only contest.

"We stunk," Billings said. "We're lucky they out-played us by only 16 points.”

"They could have out-played us by 100 points," Billings continued. "They played better. They played smarter. They played harder."

Doniphan Head Coach Daniel Cagle expected a high-energy Indians crew and his Dons, without a doubt, showed up to win.

Prior to the match, Coach Cagle said he expected a "very competitive" Kennett team.

"We need to be ready for pressure," Coach Cagle said. "Kennett's man-to-man coverage is outstanding and tough to play against.”

"We need to be taking care of the ball," he added. "We've got to keep them off the glass or we don't have a hope this year."

The Dons jumped out to an early lead with two unanswered goals in the opening seconds of the game, continued rapid-fire scoring against a somewhat sluggish Indians throughout the night and were ahead of the Kennett team 42-36 at the half.

Kennett's Ashton Dismukes, a 6’ freshman aims for the goal against Doniphan Dons defenders Thursday at Bloomfield.

Steve Hankins, Contributing Writer

Doniphan pulled ahead by nine points in the third period 57-48 and increased the difference by 16 to advance to the tournament championship Friday against Dexter.

"Our game plan was to attack all night, keep the ball and mainly not give them a chance to score," Coach Cagle noted.

Doniphan's rebounding was astounding Thursday, and that was not by chance.

"We had a film session to review fundamentals," Cagle explained. "We lost 23 rebounds in our last game.”

"We scrambled," he remarked. "We did take care of the ball. Tonight was good basketball playing."

The Doniphan Dons square off against the Dexter Bearcats to decide the tournament championship at 8:30 p.m. Friday at Bloomfield High School.

The Kennett Indians play against the Malden Green Wave team at 7 p.m. Friday for third-place honors.