Despite junior Taylor Wesley's 14 points, the Chiefs couldn't get past Concordia in the I-70 Tournament championship game. (Chris Allen/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge]

ALMA -- The Santa Fe boys' basketball team stayed close for a while, but couldn't keep up with the hot shooting of senior John Miller during a 63-55 loss Saturday in the championship game of the I-70 Conference Tournament at Alma.

The teams were tied at 11 after the first period, but Miller connected four times from long distance during the next two quarters to give the Orioles an eight-point lead heading into the final frame. They held the margin, although that was not due to free-throw shooting -- in which Concordia missed four of eight attempts, including the front end of two one-and-one chances.

Junior Luke Brandt made three buckets and senior Kenzie Thorp hit from outside during the fourth quarter, but the Chiefs were unable to gain ground.

Miller scored 20 points and senior Joey White added 19 for the Orioles (4-0).

Senior Nate Moenkhoff and junior Taylor Wesley each had 14 points to top Santa Fe -- which also got 11 points, eight rebounds and four assists from junior Luke Brandt. The Chiefs (2-1) travel to Slater on Thursday.

Windsor 74, Sweet Springs 49

ALMA -- Sweet Springs jumped out to an eight-point first-quarter lead, but Windsor tore through the Greyhounds the rest of the game Saturday to win the consolation trophy of the I-70 Conference Tournament going away, 74-49.

Sophomore Corey Buford and freshman Ryan Hamilton led the Windsor (2-2) comeback with a combined 12 points during the second period. Senior Ethan Mullins had a game-high 19 points.

Sophomore Zach Thomas' 18 points pace Sweet Springs, with senior Travis Hinck and sophomore Billy Martin each adding 10 points off the bench. The 'Hounds (1-2) will be at home Friday to face Green Ridge.

Keytesville 60, Slater 59

GLASGOW -- While Slater fired bombs, Keytesville feasted from the foul line Friday -- scoring 25 fourth-quarter points to pull out a 60-59 decision in the consolation final of the Glasgow Tournament.

The Tigers shot twice as many free throws as their opponent, but the 34-17 difference in that category was eclipsed by a 22-7 gap in the number of charity shots made.

Senior Jason Burris scored 20 points, making five buckets down the stretch to lead Keytesville (2-1), while junior Cody Hall and sophomore Brandon Drummond combined for 27 points.

Senior Aric Falls had 20 points and 11 rebounds for the Wildcats, he and junior Zach Calhoun each hitting three bombs.

Senior Austin Foster chipped in with 12 points for Slater (1-3), which begins Lewis and Clark Conference action Tuesday by entertaining Fayette.

Girls

Concordia 50, Santa Fe 36

ALMA -- Sophomore Tori Kopp scored six of her game-high 18 points during the fourth quarter Friday as Concordia pulled away from Santa Fe with a 13-5 run to take third place in the I-70 Conference Tournament at Alma, 50-36.

The Lady Chiefs were playing catch-up all night after falling behind 14-2 in the first quarter. However, junior Dani Heimsoth tallied 11 points during the middle two frames to bring Santa Fe to within five points heading into the final period.

Although the Lady Orioles only made seven of 13 free throws down the stretch, Santa Fe sank only one field goal during the same span and slipped backwards.

Seniors Megan Wood and Jordan Payne each tallied 10 points for Concordia (3-1).

Heimsoth wound up with 15 points and 13 rebounds and junior Molly Blomberg added 10 points for the Lady Chiefs (1-2), who are Slater on Thursday.

Sweet Springs 30, St. Paul 26

ALMA -- The offense was pretty ugly for Sweet Springs, but the defense rose to the occasion Friday during a 30-26 decision over St. Paul for the consolation trophy of the I-70 Conference Tournament at Alma.

The Lady Greyhounds managed only two points during the first quarter, but only gave up six. Senior Laura Keesaer knocked down a three-pointer late in the second period to give Sweet Springs a four-point halftime lead.

The Saints (1-2) tried to rally late in the game, but sophomores Katie Davidson and Kristin Jones each sank a pair of free throws to help Sweet Springs to stymie a potential comeback.

Keesaer led all scorers with nine points and grabbed six rebounds for the Lady Greyhounds (2-1), scheduled to host Green Ridge on Friday.