BRAVETTES EXTEND DISTRICT TITLE STREAK

ORAN -- Scott County Central High's girls basketball team captured another district championship Thursday night -- but coach Semona Penrod said the Bravettes must pick up their defense if they're going to win more postseason games.

The top-seeded Bravettes pulled away late from a stubborn Risco squad to knock off the No. 3 seed 73-51 in the finals of the Class 1A, District 2 Tournament.

For the Bravettes, it was at least their 14th consecutive district title; Penrod doesn't know for sure if the streak is any longer than that.

"It's always nice to win district," said Penrod. "But we have to play better defense or we won't go any further."

Next up for the 14-9 Bravettes is a Class 1A Regional game Monday night in Sikeston. Scott Central will take on the winner of District 1, which will hold its final tonight.

Katie Griffin, a 5-foot-7 senior, hit 11 of 12 shots and paced the Bravettes with 24 points. She made up for overall poor shooting by Scott Central.

"Katie really had a good game," said Penrod. "Overall we didn't shoot well, but she did."

Brandy Miller added 18 points while Ashley Whitson contributed 17.

Risco, which suited up just five players, got 25 points from Jennifer Landers and 18 from Sarah Crouthers.

Despite seemingly being overmatched -- and despite falling behind 11-0 at the game's outset -- the Lady Tigers refused to go down easily.

The Lady Tigers pulled to within 18-14 by the end of the first quarter and trailed just 35-29 at halftime.

Risco was still very much within striking distance entering the final period as Scott Central led just 49-43.

The Lady Tigers remained in the hunt as they trailed 57-49 midway through the fourth quarter. But the Bravettes scored 16 of the game's final 18 points to cruise home.

"They hung tough, but we helped them a lot," Penrod said. "We shot pretty bad and we couldn't get in the flow."

Scott Central was able to control the boards as many of the Bravettes' baskets came on follow shots.

"We got a lot of second and third chances, which helped us," said Penrod.