By Andrew Cato, ShowMe Times Sports Editor

The Bernie Mules are your No. 3 team in the 2012 SCAA Tournament. Head coach Brad Botsch’s squad has compiled 11-5 record so far in the 2011-2012 season.

The Mules are the most experienced team in SCAA play this year, and they have a 3-3 record to show for it. The Mules sport nearly 40 point victories over both Woodland and Bell City, and a 65-44 win at Bloomfield. The Advance Hornets and Dexter Bearcats both hold single-digit wins over Bernie, and Puxico handed the Mules a 20-point defeat to spoil the Mules‘ homecoming on Friday night.

Head coach Brad Botsch expects his team to perform well in the tournament, but ultimately wants them to keep their eyes on the prize: a third-straight trip to the Show-Me Showdown.

“We are really emphasizing improvement in strategic areas,” Botsch said.  “Our kids are working hard and we feel like if we can improve some in a couple of areas, we can really compete well when districts roll around and that is our main focus every year.” 

The Mules are led by the one-two scoring attack of David Baker and Matt Eaves; the junior and senior both play a hybrid post/forward position and average double-digit points.

The Varsity Mules will open the tournament against the Woodland Cardinals. While having already blown them out earlier this year, Botsch pointed out the team’s improvement as the season has progressed.


“It seems as if Woodland is playing better of late.  We handled them earlier in the year at Bernie, but we sure won't be overlooking them or taking anything for granted,” he said.  “We'll come ready to play hard and compete.”

The JV Mules picked up the No. 1 seed in the tournament, and earned a bye in the seven-team bracket. They will open the tournament on Wednesday (Jan. 26) at 5:30 p.m., when they afce the winner of Monday’s Woodland/Dexter matchup.

The Varsity squad tips off at 6:00 p.m. on Monday.