Johnson sets scoring record in Bell City's fifth-place victory

Dominitrix Johnson's record-setting performance lifted Bell City to a 55-53 win over Advance to secure fifth place in the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament on Tuesday at the Show Me Center.

Johnson, who came into the tournament averaging 32 points a game, had 19 points against the Hornets, bringing his four-day total to 127. The previous mark of 118 points was held by Jreece Johnson of Scott County Central.

Dominitrix Johnson opened the tournament with a 47-point performance against Meadow Heights, scored 43 in a quarterfinal loss to Jackson, then netted 18 in a fifth-place semifinal against Notre Dame.

Against Advance, Bell City coach David Heeb was proud of the effort he got from his role players.

"The rest of the team played a really good game," Heeb said. "In the fourth quarter, when it mattered the most, our guys stepped it up out there."

After Johnson picked up his fourth personal with over a minute left in the third quarter, Bell City was forced to play with their leading scorer on the bench. Johnson returned to the game with 5:48 remaining.

Trailing 55-53, Advance had a chance for a last-second shot, but guard Tyler Bowman was called for a charge as he drove to the basket.

"Our effort was outstanding," Advance coach Jim Hall said. "Bell City is one of the top teams in our class."

Helped by a 9-0 run, Bell City (9-2) jumped out to a 13-8 lead by the close of the first quarter. Advance kept Johnson in check early on, holding him scoreless until midway through the second quarter.

"We tried to keep two people on him and to limit his driving lanes," said Hall.

Advance (5-4) went on a 12-4 run before halftime to take a 30-27 lead at the break. Bell City outscored the Hornets by five in the third quarter to take a 43-41 lead into the final quarter. Advance tied the game twice in the fourth quarter, but Bell City held off the late surge by the Hornets.

Randy Conn added 13 points for the Cubs. Jeremy Limbaugh finished with a team-high 17 points for the Hornets before fouling out in the fourth quarter. He was the only Advance player to reach double figures.

Advance 8 22 11 12 -- 53

Bell City 13 14 16 12 -- 55

Advance (53) --Alex Sample 2, Jeremy Limbaugh 17, Tyler Bowman 8, Daryl Wade 7, Drew Sherman 5, Ryland Dunivan 3, Dustin Kalinski 9, James Masters 2.

FG 14, FT 16-22, Fouls 24 (3-pointers: Kalinski 1, Bowman 1, Wade 1. Fouled out: Limbaugh)

Bell City (55 ) -- Dominitrix Johnson 19, Blaine Stewart 2, Jeff Liggins 8, Zak McIntyre 5, Randy Conn 13, Tyler Victor 4. FG 20, FT 12-22, Fouls 18 (3-pointers: McIntryre 1. Fouled out: none)

Delta 52, Woodland 51

In a crazy finish, Delta (6-4) was able to capture the ninth-place consolation trophy by defeating Woodland on a pair of Cody Crowden free throws with no time remaining.

With the game tied at 50, Woodland (8-3) was running the clock down for a last-second shot. A Delta foul sent Woodland to the line with less than a second left. After making the second free throw, all Woodland had to do was survive the ensuing in-bound pass.

However, a foul was called on the Cardinals, sending Crowden to the line. He calmly sank both free throws for the one point victory. Crowden finished with 14 points along with teammate Zack Kelley and Brent Menz added 11 points.

Cody McGraw scored a team-high 15 points for Woodland, while Anthony Grojean had 14 and Travis Benfield had 11.

Woodland 13 12 11 15 -- 51

Delta 13 14 20 5 -- 52

Woodland (51) -- Brandon Cowell 3, Ben Martin 2, Anthony Grojean 14, Seth Gaines 2, Cody McCraw 15, Chad Hulvey 4, Travis Benfield 11. FG 22, FT 7-11, Fouls 14 (3-pointers: none. Fouled out: Hulvey)

Delta (52) -- Aaron Kinder 2, Derek Helderman 2, Cody Crowden 14, Brent Menz 11, Daniel Cook 2, Zack Kelley 14, Kevin Bartels 7. FG 13, FT 13-16, Fouls (3-pointers: Bartels 1, Crowden 1, Menz 2. Fouled out: Kelley)