Prep Hoops Round-up: Tigers win on back-to-back nights

MALTA BEND -- Senior Ryan Armstrong found the hot hand Friday for the Malta Bend boys' basketball team for its second CCAA win in as many days, 55-46 over visiting Jamestown.

The previous night's romp over Prairie Home was expected, but the Eagles were a tougher challenge than the hapless Panthers -- and made it clear from the outset by taking an 11-9 first-quarter lead.

That's when Armstrong got busy, scoring 22 of his game-high 25 points during the remaining three periods -- including four baskets down the stretch as the Tigers clung to the nine-point cushion they took into the final frame.

Junior Kyle Ford buried four three-pointers, the same as Armstrong, on his way to 16 points to top Jamestown (5-10, 1-4 CCAA).

Junior Tyler Armstrong added 13 points and junior Tim Trelow had 12 points and 11 rebounds for Malta Bend (3-9, 2-3) -- which will play the Eagles again today in the CCAA Tournament at Higbee.

St. Paul 57, Sweet Springs 42

CONCORDIA -- Sweet Springs found no way of stopping junior Jordan Bredehoeft during Friday's 57-42 I-70 Conference loss at St. Paul.

Even fouling him didn't work on Bredehoeft, who sank 11 of 14 free throws on his way to 18 points -- to go along with seven assists and four steals. The Saints (5-8, 1-1 I-70) took a 12-point lead into the second half and -- with the help of a pair of three-pointers from sophomore Brandon Haake during the third period -- didn't let it get close.

Junior Tyler Dohrman scored 16 points and junior Nick Peeples had 11 points and 14 rebounds for the Greyhounds (6-8, 0-3), who will take on Green Ridge during Tuesday's first-round contest at the Windsor Tournament.

Salisbury 63, Slater 35

SLATER -- A 21-6 second quarter helped stake Salisbury to a 21-point halftime lead Friday during a 63-35 Lewis and Clark Conference romp at Slater.

Junior Matt Koenig and senior Ben Gladden teamed up for 13 points during the opening period, Koenig winding up with 12 points to pace the Panthers (7-5, 3-1 L&C) -- who had 12 players score.

Junior Chris Scott's six points and six rebounds were the best for Slater (3-9, 0-4), which will find the road even tougher in a power-packed field for the 28th Wildcat Classic. The Purple's first-round opponent today is 10th-ranked No. 1 seed Sacred Heart.

Girls

St. Paul 47, Sweet Springs 37

CONCORDIA -- St. Paul's brand of intense man-to-man defense was too much for the ballhandling-challenged Sweet Springs squad to deal with Friday during a 47-37 I-70 Conference road loss.

The Lady Saints forced 32 turnovers to gradual pull away from the visitors. Senior Tory Kramer led a balanced attack for St. Paul (8-4, 2-0 I-70), which had at least six points from all five starters, with 11 points.

Junior Kristin Jones scored 12 points and junior Hollie Heaper contributed 10 points and six rebounds off the bench for the Lady Greyhounds (6-8, 1-2) -- set to play Green Ridge today to open the Windsor Tournament.

Salisbury 56, Slater 34

SLATER -- A good start and even stronger finish Friday helped Salisbury solidify its hold on the top spot in the Lewis and Clark Conference standings with a 56-34 victory at Slater.

The Lady Panthers (11-2, 4-0 L&C) rolled out to a 15-7 first-quarter lead and closed the game with a 16-5 run behind 25 points from junior Cassy Nicolay. Sophomore Morgan Vetter hit three long-range bombs for 14 points to help.

Junior Niki Kruger led the Lady Wildcats with 13 points and sophomore Saria Leimkuehler added 11. Slater (9-4, 2-2) will take on Santa Fe during Tuesday's first-round game of the 28th Wildcat Classic.

Jamestown 43, Malta Bend 28

JAMESTOWN -- A 17-2 first-quarter blitz was enough for Jamestown to claim a 43-28 CCAA road win Friday at Malta Bend.

Senior Regan Muri scored nine of her game-high 18 points during the opening period to pace the Lady Eagles (7-6, 3-2 CCAA) -- who, with Pilot Grove's absence, are the No. 1 seed at the CCAA Tournament.

After the early setback, the Lady Tigers played Jamestown evenly the rest of the way -- senior Jerrian Johnson landing a pair of three-pointers during the second frame and senior Emily Warner providing 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Malta Bend (0-12, 0-5) open the conference tourney today against Bunceton.