Redwings fly past 'Deer

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- The roller coaster ride that has been the 2008-09 Clarkton Reindeer basketball season began back in November with a lopsided loss to the Eminence Red Wings. Their season ended in the same fashion as the 'Deer fell hard again at the hands of the Red Wings at E.T. Peters Gymnasium here Tuesday night.

Eminence (25-2) led the entire way as they jumped out to an early lead thanks to a pair of 3-pointers from Brody Fulk in the game's opening minutes.

Despite a 3 of their own from Justin Brown, the 'Deer (20-7) found themselves down by five -- 23-18 -- after a quarter of play.

The Redwings continued to go inside and utilize their size advantage in the second quarter. Redwing center Wade Conway provided an impressive presence inside as he was a force on the boards throughout the game. This, combined with the slashing ability of senior guards Nate Nichols and Austin Brewer allowed Eminence to stretch its halftime lead to 46-34.

"Obviously we were beaten on the boards tonight," said Clarkton coach Scottie Blackburn. "When a team is already bigger than you and they are allowed to push to get position inside, it's going to be tough.

"This group has been a lot of fun to coach. They finished their career with over 80 wins, and roughly 15 losses. So they have been one of the more successful classes ever to come through our high school."

Coming out of the break, the Redwings were able to blow the game open as more fullcourt play from Nichols and Brewer led the way along with outstanding pressure defense. Eminence outscored Clarkton 27-12 in the third quarter to open up a 27-point bulge entering the final period.

Brewer and Nichols led the way for the Redwing offense as they finished with 21 and 19 points, respectively. Conway tossed in 11 points, while Blake Radosovich and Jay Williams each finished with 10.

The Clarkton senior trio of Dustin Ferguson (17 points), Casey Redden (11) and Justin Brown (10) all finished in double digits in their final games as Clarkton Reindeer. After the loss, they shared a few thoughts on their careers.

"Ever since the first day of my high school career I have worked hard to be the best player I can," Brown said. "I think this year when it came time to play, I was able to prove that."

Added Ferguson: "I feel like I've had a great career and I have loved every second of my Reindeer days. I can't believe it's over and really wish I had another year."

Jordan Jones added 12 points to for Clarkton.

With the win, the Redwings earn a date with Class 1 powerhouse Scott County Central in quarterfinal action Saturday afternoon at Three Rivers Community College.

Notes: Ferguson finished his high school career with 2,147 total points scored. ... SCC won its sectional 105-77 over St. Elizabeth Tuesday at Park Hills.