By Andrew Cato, ShowMe Times Sports Editor

The Woodland Cardinals struggled against the Bernie Mules when they met in the regular season in early December.

Thing didn't go any better for the No. 6 Cardinals when they went up against the No. 3 Mules in the opening round of the SCAA Tournament; the Mules' dominant defense gave up no more than six points in a single quarter throught the contest helped Bernie to a 70-23 victory.

Matt Eaves and David Baker, the Mules' leading scorers, opened the contest with a combined 10 point effort in the opening frame, while Jake Wagner dropped in a three midway through the frame. Bernie had control of the game from the opening tip, and held a 23-6 lead after the first quarter.

Bubby Schwent had a big game off the bench for the Mules; the 5'9" sophomore chipped in an old-fashioned three point play at the 4:30 mark to give the Mules a 32-9 lead. Eaves gave the Mules several defensive stops with his great performance on the glass, and added four more points toward the Mules' 39-12 halftime lead.

Sam Turner knocked down a deep three to open the second half and spark a 9-0 run. Aaron Yount added a three for the Cardinals two minutes later, but Bernie's potent D kept their big lead intact throughout the third quarter.

The Mules had a running clock in the fourth, thanks to their 56-17 lead to open the frame. Wagner added another three late in the frame to give the Mules a 70-23 victory.

“We had a good defensive effort and overall played good fundamental basketball," Bernie head coach Brad Botsch said. " That’s what we have to get back to. We’ve gotten away from just solid, fundamental basketball in different aspects of the game and it’s important we get our focus back on that.”

The Mules had four players in double figures; Baker had 16, Eaves had 14, Schwent added 12 off the bench, and Turner dropped in 10 points.

Only three Cardinals scored in the contest; Yount led the way with 16 points.

The Mules will be in action again on Thursday, when they take on the winner of Tuesday night's matchup between No. 2 Advance and No. 7 Richland.

Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. on Thursday (Jan 26) night.

By Andrew Cato, ShowMe Times Sports Editor

The Woodland Cardinals and Dexter Bearcats kicked off the JV bracket of the 2012 SCAA Tournament in a matchup between the No. 4 and No. 5 teams.

Despite holding a regular season victory over the 'Cats, the Cardinals were knocked off in a slight upset with a 44-38 final score.

The Bearcats opened the contest with a 10-2 run before Garrett Faulkner knocked down a three at the 2:38 mark to put the Redbirds down by five. A great first quarter effort from Stevie Payne - who had seven points and three rebounds in the opening frame - gave the 'Cats a 13-5 lead.

Each squad put together a four point run in the early second quarter, but Devin Hampton pulled down several key defensive rebounds to preserve the Bearcats' lead. Ben McCormick completed a three point play for the Cardinals in the closing minute of the first half, but the Bearcats were still able to hang on to a 17-12 lead at halftime.

Austin Aldridge buried a three to open the third quarter, but the Cardinals rattled off four quick points to bring the score to 20-18 at the 5:30 mark. Another three from Aldridge, as well as an offensive rebound and putback from Payne, helped the 'Cats to a 36-25 advantage after the third quarter.

The Bearcats continued to roll in the early fourth quarter. Aldrige hit another three pointer at the 5:30 mark, while Payne and Hampton continued to clean up the glass. The 'Cats exteded their lead to 44-30 with a minute left in the game before the Cardinals put up eight unanswered points to bring the final score to 44-38 in Dexter's favor.

Aldridge paced the 'Cats with 17 points; Payne was the only other Bearcat in double-figures with 11 points.

McCormick was the only Cardinal in double digits, with 10 points. Faulker added nine points in the loss.

The No. 5 Bearcats will move on to face the top-seeded Bernie Mules in the JV Semifinals; tip is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Thursday.

By Annabeth Miller, SMT Editor

It’s the lesser known competition during Stoddard County Tournament week, but the squads who lead the cheers, do those back flips and tumble and dance work hard to prepare and perform for this week.

The cheer squads from the eight teams are in a competition this week as well – each and every time they step foot on the Bearcat Event Center floor. The eight squads from the conference will be just each game of the tournament by a trio of judges. The judges are there for each and every game, and just the cheerleaders on a set of criteria:

• Voice – including if words and phrasing is clear, loud, articulate and understandable
• Appearance – appropriate, safe attire and neat
• Arm Motions – controlled and distinct, corresponding with words
• Formations & Spacing – the use of the floor and transitions and positions
• Jumps, Stunts and Mounts – skill, level of difficulty, and execution
• Showmanship & Spirit Projection – impact, energy, effectiveness, performance quality, smiles and personality
• Crowd Involvement – use of positive crowd response and creativity.

In addition, Dexter Assistant Athletic Director Alana Dowdy said each girl on each squad is also judged by a second set of standards.

A team trophy will be awarded Friday night during the presentation of awards at Center Court, and the All-County Cheer Squad will be announced as well at that time.

Photo Above: The Bernie Mule Cheer Squad will take to the BEC floor on Monday night for the Bernie-Woodland game in the opening night of the Stoddard County Tournament. Cheer team members include (front row- Sierra Eberle (Sophomore), Alexis McGowan (Sophomore); (middle row) Lari Spitzer (Freshman, Co-Captain), Katie Baker (Junior, Captain), Blakely Bradshaw (Freshman); (back row) Jordan Ellenburg (Sophomore), Paige Mays (Junior), Ellen Snider (Junior), Caitlyn Mayberry (Junior). (Photo submitted by Bernie Cheer coach Melissa Marquis)

By Andrew Cato, ShowMe Times Sports Editor

Your top-seeded team for the 2012 SCAA Tournament is the defending champion Dexter Bearcats!

Coach Rob Nichlols’ squad have put together a 7-9 record so far this season, but are a perfect 4-0 in SCAA play. The Bearcats posted blowout wins over Richland and Woodland, and hold a 15 point victory over the Bloomfield Wildcats; DHS tacked on a 10 point decision over the Puxico Indians last week.

“The goal every year is to win it,” Nichols said. “We’re going to come out, play hard, and do our best to put ourselves in a position to win.”

“I think the kids are excited to get to play on their own floor,” he continued. “Hopefully we’ll be able to put on a good show for the home crowd.”

The Bearcats are led by seniors Tyler Miller and Jake Lee. Both measure in at 6’3”, and are consistently one-two in scoring. Miller tends to play out on the wing, while Lee handles paint duties for the ‘Cats.

Sophomore Cody Neldon is establishing himself as a serious threat on both ends of the floor. The 5’10” guard has really come out of his shell since the Bloomfield Christmas Tournament, and is one of the Bearcats’ best penetration threats.

The Bearcats pulled in the No. 5 seed in the JV bracket; the young ‘Cats will face No. 4 Woodland, while the Varsity squad will take on No. 8 Bell City, in the opening round of the tournament.

The ‘Cats are in a unique situation this year: not only are the hosting the tournament, but they are defending their 2011 SCAA titles in all three areas (Varsity, JV, and Cheer) of the tournament.

The JV ‘Cats will get things underway in the 4:30 contest on Monday afternoon, while the Varsity squad will close Monday’s games in the 7:30 p.m. contest.

By Andrew Cato, ShowMe Times Sports Editor

The Advance Hornets are your No. 2 seed for the 2012 SCAA Tournament. The Hornets have put together a 10-6 record under coach Andrew Halford so far this season.

The Hornets are a perfect 4-0 in SCAA play, with wins over Richland, Bernie, Puxico, and Bell City.

Halford was quick to point out the grit and determination of his players, as well as the fast-paced style of play his team favors on both ends of the floor.

“Our team is continuing to improve as the season goes on. We have kids that are dedicated to working hard, and our team benefits from this,” he said. “We look to push in transition and play a fast paced game. Also, try to put a lot of pressure on opposing teams defensively.”

The Hornets will have a tough task in the paint during their opening matchup: stopping 6’11” Richard Forshee of the Richland Rebels. Ethan Barr, Advance’s 6’4” junior post, will most likely be matched up with Forshee.

“We are looking to come out strong for the tournament,” Halford said. “Our team expects to play hard and continue to improve.”

“No matter where you are seeded in any tournament throughout the year, your team has to be ready to come out, play hard, and play smart,” he continued. “We simply [need to] do the things we work on daily to come out with positive results.”

The Hornets also picked up the No. 2 seed in the JV bracket, where they open against the No. 7 Bell City Cubs.

Advance won’t open the tournament until Tuesday (Jan. 24) night; the JV contest is set to tip at 4:00 p.m., while the Varsity will hit the court at 7:00.