Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
Bloomfield, Missouri – There was a lot on the line Friday night as the Bernie Mules were about to see just how bad they wanted the District Championship. It was an extremely fast paced game and two tough competitors were neck and neck throughout the entire game.
The #1 seeded Bernie Mules were up to the challenge and finally prevailed over the #5 seeded South Pemiscot Bulldogs to win their 4th District Championship since 2009.
“It was hard fought game from the get-go,” Bernie Coach Brad Botsch said. “Hats off to South Pemiscot. I thought they really brought the intensity and played extremely hard. You have to give credit to the job Coach Bidewell has done and we feel fortunate to come out with a win!”
Bernie fans and South Pemiscot fans were on their feet most of the game cheering, screaming, and rocking the arena with music and chants. 
The Mules scored first with a 3 pointer, but the Bulldogs struck back with two of their own. They ran up and down the court so fast it was difficult to keep up with until time-outs were called or someone fouled. Even the referees were beginning to sweat a little trying to keep pace with the boys on the court.
Leading scorer for the Mules was David Baker, #31 who hit seven baskets and six points from the free-throw line, totaling 20 points on the night. Landon Woods, #10 had 11 points for the night including one 3-pointer and he was 2 for 2 at the free-throw line. B.J. Jennings, #12 contributed 8 points along with Sam Turner, #45 with 7 points including two 3-pointers and Joey Walker, #40 with 2 points.
Coach Brad Botsch said, "I’m really proud of our kids for gutting this win out. This was a tough, physical, defensive oriented game and you have to play gutsy basketball in order to pull out games like this. I’m really happy for our three seniors and all our guys for the hard work they have put in this season. Winning a district championship never gets old, and it makes all the time, hard work, and effort we put in to this season worthwhile."
Coach went on to say, "South Pemiscot really played hard. Coach Bidewell has done an excellent job down there and his kids pushed us to the limit. You have to give them a lot of credit for our struggles tonight offensively. They really played hard and hats off to them for the season they had."
"We had guys step up for us down the stretch when we really needed a key rebound, defensive stop, or bucket. Our entire team contributed in a positive way in some form. We’re really proud of our kids, and hope to keep winning,” stated Coach Botsch.
With just over a minute left in the fourth quarter, the Mules had their biggest lead of the game, 46-41. They won with a final score of 48-45. A very close win for the Bernie Mules and a heartbreaker loss to the South Pemiscot Bulldogs.
The Bernie Mules will play Winona in the Class 2 sectional on Wednesday, February 27th at 6:30 p.m. at Three Rivers College Bess Activity Center in Poplar Bluff. Winona is top seeded and defeated the #2 seeded Thayer in the Class 2, District 2, title game Friday night.
“I don’t think there is any team we cannot play with or beat on the way to Columbia,” Botsch stated. “I really believe that and I think our kids believe that also. I don’t know a whole lot about the teams yet, but I’ll do a lot of scouting over the weekend and make some contact. We are going to do the absolute best job!”
The Bernie Mules will be signing District Championship T-shirts on Tuesday, February 26th at 3:30 p.m. at the Bernie High School. Everyone is welcome to come out and get your autograph!
