SCHS defense shuts down Cimarron, 67-30

By Rod Haxton, editor

Entering Tuesday’s game, Scott Community High School head coach Glenn O’Neil had his concerns about a Cimarron team that appeared overmatched - at least on paper.

As it turned out, the Bluejays were clearly overmatched on the court as well, following a 67-30 thumping by the SCHS boys.

“This is a team you worry about because they play hard, are patient on offense and have good set shooters,” O’Neil noted.

The final two concerns became non-factors thanks to Scott City’s pressing defense that forced the Bluejays into a faster pace than they were prepared to play. The result was more first half turnovers (18) than points (10) for Cimarron in a non-league win.

“We didn’t feel they could handle the pressure,” said O’Neil.

That certainly proved to be true as Scott City (12-5) turned a 6-4 lead into a 26-6 runaway during a 7-1/2 minute stretch in the first and second quarters.

Six players contributed to the scoring run during which also included several fastbreak opportunities as the Beavers dismantled Cimarron at both ends of the floor. SCHS limited the Bluejays to just four first half field goals while building a 39-10 advantage.

Guards Mason Turner (7 points, 3 steals), Braeden Robinson (7 points, 2 assists) and Brett O’Neil (8 points, 6 steals, 3 assists) turned in solid performances in the absence of senior Alex Swan, who will probably be sidelined at least one more game with a severe ankle sprain.

“We got a lot of boys involved in the offense early and everyone played hard on defense,” says the SCHS coach.

For only the second time in his last eight games, junior guard Ron Baker was held to less than 20 points. But with such a huge halftime lead, he was able to dial back his production in the second half and didn’t even play in the final period.

Baker still finished with a game high 14 points - all in the first half - while Austin Davis finished with 10.

Swan may return to the lineup for Tuesday’s non-league game at Atwood, but his return at this time is still questionable.

“We’d like to have him back on the court for a couple of games going into sub-state just so he can get his rhythm back,” says O’Neil. “Next week we’ll be evaluating it on a day-to-day basis.”