By Andrew Cato, ShowMe Times Sports Editor

The DMS Bearcats played host to the Poplar Bluff Mules in their first contest since the Stoddard County Tournament on Monday night.


The ‘Cats were able to split the contest with the Mules, with the seventh grade falling 43-26 and the eighth grade winning (with a crazy ending) 45-44.


In the seventh grade contest, the ‘Cats kept up with Poplar Bluff throughout most of the first half, and trailed 8-6 at the end of the first quarter. Bluff went on a quick 5-0 run to take a 13-8 lead, and hit a big three late in the second quarter to take a 22-14 lead at halftime.

The ‘Cats battled back early in the third quarter, thanks to a seven-point effort by Jason Jarrell, but the Mules held a 34-24 lead heading into the closing frame.

Poplar Bluff’s defense stepped up in the fourth quarter, and held the Bearcats to two points off four free throws to claim the 43-26 win.

In the eighth grade matchup, the ‘Cats were without the services of big man Cole Renken, who dressed out but didn’t play.

Chandler Young led the ‘Cats in the first half with a 13 point effort, as well as several big rebounds on both ends of the court. Jacob Pedigo had some foul trouble late in the opening half, and saw limited action as a result. Despite the adversity, the ‘Cats were able to keep within three points at the end of the half, as Poplar Bluff held a 25-22 lead.

Bluff’s offense exploded in the third quarter, and the Mules doubled up the Bearcats with 16 points in the frame to take a 41-30 lead at the end of the frame.


The ‘Cats came back with some strong defense in the fourth quarter, with Young recording two blocks and Pedigo recording a pair of steals.


The last minute of the game seemed like something straight from Hollywood - Pedigo had an offensive rebound and putback to cut Bluff’s lead to 44-37. Young blocked a layup attempt with just under a minute left, and Pedigo picked up the loose ball and took it the length of the floor for another layup to bring the score to 44-39 with :33 left in the game.


The ‘Cats forced another turnover, and after a quick timeout, Pedigo hit a three to cut the lead to 44-42 with :20 left. Pedigo stole the ball on the ensuing play, and quickly dumped it off to Austin Chesser for a layup to tie the game at 44-44 with :03.7 left in the contest. Chesser was fouled on the play, and after a technical foul was called on Poplar Bluff’s head coach, Pedigo hit a free throw to seal the 45-44 victory.

The young ‘Cats will be in action again Tuesday (Nov. 22) night when they hit the road to face the Jackson Indians.


Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

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