WITTMER-LED CENTRAL TIGERS TOP NEW MADRID

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Matt Wittmer has been Cape Central High's `go-to' guy this season and Friday night the Tigers went to him often enough to pave the way for a 77-65 victory over visiting New Madrid County Central.

Wittmer, a 6-foot-3 senior forward who averages better than 19 points per game, poured in 31 points and grabbed 14 rebounds against the Eagles.

"Matt had a heck of a game," said Central coach Dick Wadlington.

Wittmer was a major force inside as he drew numerous fouls with strong moves to the basket. He converted 15 of 19 free-throw attempts.

"I think our kids are starting to realize that we need to get the ball to Matt as much as possible," Wadlington said. "He's tough. He really gets on the boards and he's just been so consistent for us."

Central notched its third victory in as many nights heading into Saturday night's championship game of the Perryville Tournament. At 12-2 prior to Saturday's game, the Tigers were off to their best start in more than 10 years.

"That's really a good start for us," said Wadlington. "This was a big win for us. It's a big week, with the tournament and this game. I'm sure the kids have to be a little tired."

Fred Ruddy added 16 points for Central while Mark Thompson contributed 10 and Travis Clark and Matt Boren had eight apiece.

Wittmer had 12 points and Ruddy 10 in the first half as Central led 32-29. Wittmer was largely responsible for keeping the Tigers in front in the second half with 19 points.

"It seemed like every time we needed a big basket, Matt got it for us," said Wadlington.

New Madrid, which trailed 48-39 after three quarters, pulled to within 49-43 early in the final period. Wittmer then got inside for a three-point play and later hit two free throws, building Central's lead back to 54-43.

It was 57-50 when the Tigers put the finishing touches on the Eagles by scoring six consecutive points on baskets by Wittmer and Clark and two free throws by Thompson.

The Eagles kept hanging tough on the strength of eight three-point shots, four by Tony Payne and three by Ervin Collier. Each scored 15 points while Brian Bennett and Eric Williams added 12 apiece.

New Madrid's record is just 5-7, but the Eagle have played a brutal schedule.

"They're a good club," Wadlington said. "They played in the Jonebsoro tournament down in Arkansas to start the season and then they were in that Poplar Bluff Tournament, which is one of the best in the midwest.

"They put a lot of pressure on you and they really have some good shooters. Those kids were hitting long three-pointers."

Central handled the pressure well and also was impressive defensively.

"Our defense is getting better," said Wadlington.

The Tigers' junior varsity team recorded a 42-30 victory. Marlin McElmurry scored 15 points and Jason Haertling added 11.

CAPE CENTRAL 77, NEW MADRID 65TS10R,12R,14R,16R,18R,20R

NEW MADRID 10 19 10 26 - 65

CAPE CENTRAL 14 18 16 29 - 77

NEW MADRID (65)

Payne 15, Cope 3, Thatch 6, Rucker 2, Bennett 12, Collier 15, Williams 12. FG 22 FT 13-16 F 21 (3-pointers: Payne 4, Cope 1, Collier 3. Fouled out: none)

CAPE CENTRAL (77)

Thompson 12, McHaney 2, Boren 8, Wittmer 31, Clark 8, Ruddy 16. FG 26 FT 25-34 F 12. (3-pointers: none. Fouled out: none)

MDNM