Kelly wins, advances to Class 3 quarterfinal round

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo.-- With three of its top five starters on the bench after fouling out, Kelly's girls basketball team looked to be in trouble in overtime of their Class 3 sectional game Wednesday against Twin Rivers.

But with the help of an inspired performance by several reserve players and a last-second basket by Mindy Robert, the Hawks (23-5) pulled out a 53-51 overtime win to advance to Saturday's state quarterfinal round against John Burroughs (13-14) at the Farmington Civic Center.

The Hawks had to finish Wednesday's overtime without top scorer Kelly Essner, Dana Essner and Ashley Kern.

"Our seniors have done such a good job of leading us and have shown our younger girls when they need to step up," Kelly coach Rod McQuerter said. "We're a total team."

Kelly jumped out 15-10 after the first quarter, but Twin Rivers (23-4) responded in the second quarter. Twin Rivers outscored Kelly 8-4 in the second quarter to pull within one at halftime.

Twin Rivers edged the Hawks in the third quarter 11-10, and both teams scored 13 in the fourth quarter. Dana Essner's lay-up with five seconds left forced the overtime session in which the Hawks outscored Twin Rivers 11-9.

Kelly Essner led the Hawks with 23 points. Amanda Lance led all scorers for Twin Rivers with 24 points and Erica Pumphrey had 12.

"I just want to congratulate Twin Rivers and coach Walt," McQuerter said. "I feel very fortunate to come out with a win tonight."

Charleston breezes into state quarterfinal round

Charleston's boys basketball team kept its state title hopes alive with a 60-40 win over Doniphan at the Class 3 sectionals.

Charleston will play Hancock (24-5) Saturday at the Farmington Civic Center at 6:30 p.m.

Early-on the Dons (14-13) played toe-to-toe with the favored Blue Jays (26-3). Doniphan led 17-13 after the first quarter before Charleston kicked things in gear in the second. Charleston outscored the Dons 17-5 in the second quarter to take a 30-22 halftime lead.

Doniphan made a late push in the third quarter, closing the lead to five with 1:53 remaining in the quarter, but would get no closer.

Ashton Farmer led all scorers with 34 points on 14-of-17 shooting from the field. Kewain Gant scored 13 points, had 13 rebounds and six blocks. Marcus Biles chipped in 13 points for the Blue Jays.

Michael Pigg led the Dons with 19 points, and Danny Kellas had 17.