BRAVETTES UPEND TOP-SEEDED DELTA TO WIN DISTRICT CROWN

ORAN -- Scott County Central High's girls basketball team has 11 losses this season, but coach Semona Penrod knows those defeats all served a purpose.

"We played a lot of big schools. Even when they beat us, it helped us get ready for this," said Penrod.

The Bravettes were ready Thursday night as they continued their local Class 1A dominance with a 58-50 win over Delta in the championship game of the Class 1A, District 2 Tournament at Oran High.

Scott Central, seeded second in the three-team district, will carry a 13-11 record into Monday's 6:30 p.m. 1A regional game at Sikeston High against the winner of District 1.

Delta, the top seed, ends the season with a 16-6 record.

"People look at our record and they might overlook us," said Penrod. "But our schedule helps us prepare for this time of the year."

Balanced scoring and strong work on the boards keyed the Bravettes Thursday night.

Six players scored between eight and 12 points for Scott Central. Freshman Vontrice Blackmon led the way 12, followed by freshman Lakeya Turner with 10, Ashley Whitson with 10, Jamie Sadler with nine, Danika Kidd with nine and Tasheka Raby with eight.

"We played well tonight," Penrod said. "We played as a team. Our scoring was really spread out."

Delta got 12 points from Paula Eftink, nine from Jody Below and eight from Alaina Bowers.

"We played hard," said Delta coach Jim Gloth. "There was a stretch right before the half where we turned the ball over a little bit and they kind of got the momentum."

The Lady Bobcats got off to a strong start, leading 14-8 after one quarter.

Scott Central tightened things up in the second period and Turner follow shot with seven seconds left before halftime put the Bravettes ahead 25-24 at the break.

The Bravettes scored the first six points of the third quarter as they began to take control of the contest. They opened up a 43-30 lead after three.

Kidd's basket and free throw early in the final period gave the Bravettes their biggest lead of the night, 50-36. Delta was never able to get closer than eight points the rest of the way.

"It was a team effort," said Penrod. "It feels good to win the district again. The girls worked hard for this."