Charleston wins Christmas Tournament as Farmer reaches 300

By Chris Pobst

sports@standard-democrat.com

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Friday night's win over the Notre Dame Bulldogs couldn't have been any sweeter.

Not only did they best 15 other teams and win the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament, they broke a strand of eight-straight years without hoisting a trophy and added their 16th tournament title to their already overflowing trophy case.

But that's not all.

Their 58-50 win over the Bulldogs gave Charleston head coach Danny Farmer his 300th career victory at Charleston High School.

Farmer's record at Charleston is now 300-120. His overall coaching record stands at 551-156.

From the opening tip, the top-seeded Bluejays (11-1) were fully in control of the game as their patient offense and suffocating defense kept the Bulldogs looking up the entire way through.

Charleston led 30-22 at halftime, thanks in large part to junior Ryan Parham, who sank four 3-pointers in the first half.

The Bluejays separated themselves even further in the third quarter by outpacing the Notre Dame 15-9.

Although the Bulldogs tried to climb back in it late in the fourth quarter, closing to within seven points with 1:40 left to play, Charleston held strong and hit free throws when it mattered to come away with the win.

Parham, who nailed all of his five 3-point attempts, led the Bluejays with 19 points while senior Greg Tucker added 14.

NOTRE DAME (50) -- Demonte Farmer 4, Jonathan Lynch 7, Jordan Reddin 4, Nathan Meystedt 17, Justin Landewee 2, Patrick Williamson 2, Joe Siebert 8, Cody Heisserer 2, Ryan Hale 4. FG 18, FT 11-13, F 23. (3-pointer: Lynch 1, Meystedt 2. Fouled out: Meystedt)

CHARLESTON (58) -- Aaron Cassell 7, Ryan Parham 19, Michael Hull 3, Trey Watkins 6, Greg Tucker 14, Krushon Scott 9. FG 18, FT 14-26, F 15. (3-pointer: Cassell 1, Parham 5, Hull 1, Tucker 1. Fouled out: Tucker)