By Andrew Cato, ShowMe Times Sports

Semi-Final action for the Boys in the Class 4, District 1 Tournament was on tap Thursday (Feb. 24) at the Bearcat Event Center. No. 2 Dexter looked for the home-floor victory against No. 3 Notre Dame in the 6:00 p.m. contest, and No. 5 Fredericktown looked to pull off another upset against No. 1 Sikeston in the late game.

No. 3 Notre Dame vs. No. 2 Dexter

The Bulldogs came out fast and furious, jumping to a quick 10-2 lead thanks to a three from Alex Beussink and six points from Nathan Meystedt. The Bearcats were able to battle back within six points by the end of the first quarter, 14-8.

Tyler Miller connected from beyond the arc to spark a big offensive second quarter for Dexter. The ‘Cats defense also showed up in the second, holding Notre Dame to just five points in the frame. The two teams went into halftime tied at 19.

Jonathan Lynch was good from three-point land for the Bulldogs during the third quarter. Miller was a perfect two-for-two from the free-throw line for the ‘Cats in the frame, helping Dexter keep the score tied at 27 at the end of the third.

Jacob Tolbert came on in a big way for Notre Dame in the fourth. The 6’7” senior had 11 points in the frame and hitting five-of-seven free-throws. Jake Cox and Jordan Fitts both hit threes for the ‘Cats in the frame, but Notre Dame’s late offensive surge proved too much for the Bearcats. Notre Dame pulled off the upset with a 45-38 final score.



With the victory, Notre Dame advanced to the District Championship game, where they will face the winner of the Sikeston-Fredericktown game. Tipoff is set for 7:30 Friday (Feb. 25).

No. 5 Fredericktown vs. No. 1 Sikeston

Caleb Killian was good from beyond the arc three times for the Blackcats during the first quarter. Darryl Howard dropped in eight points for Sikeston during the frame, helping the Bulldogs to a 20-13 advantage after the first quarter.

Sikeston eliminated any hope of an upset during the second quarter - Kil’ron Coleman, Caleb McGee, and William Holifield all hit threes for the Bulldogs in the frame. Sikeston put up 25 in the frame - more points than Fredericktown had in the first half - and held a commanding 45-22 lead going into halftime.

Vashawn Ruffin dropped in nine of Sikeston’s 29 points in the third quarter, with teammate Janeil Hatchett contributing eight points. Fredericktown was held to just four points in the frame, with Sikeston’s lead reaching blowout proportions by the end of the quarter, 74-26.

Killian hit another three for the Blackcats during the fourth, but Sikeston’s offense was again unstoppable, putting up 18 points in the frame. Sikeston easily rolled through Fredericktown, winning with a 92-33 final.



With the big win over Fredericktown, Sikeston advanced to the District Championship game. Sikeston will face off against Notre Dame at 7:30 p.m. Friday (Feb. 25) night at the Bearcat Event Center.