NMCC rolls in first round of Bass Pro

SPRINGFIELD - The New Madrid County Central Eagles advanced to the semifinal bracket of the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions on Friday night by defeating Oviedo, Fla., 77-48 at the Hammons Center in Springfield.

In other games in the tournament, Christ the King, N.Y., defeated Ozark 86-84 in overtime, and Vashon beat Heritage Christian, Texas 70-50.

The Eagles were in control throughout the game, leading 16-5 after one quarter and 42-18 at the half. They still led 57-33 entering the fourth quarter.

NMCC got a big game out of all-state guard Dereke Tipler, who led all scorers with 26 points. He was also 12-of-13 from the free throw line.

The Eagles also got tremendous performances out of Derrell Minner (17 points, 14 rebounds) and Ronland Ranson (16 points, 13 rebounds). Brian Murph also broke into double figures with 11 points.

The Eagles outrebounded Oviedo 45-23.

Plus NMCC was exceptional from the free throw line, hitting 22-of-25 on the night. Oviedo committed 22 fouls compared to the Eagles' 11.

The Eagles were 27-of-50 from the field. Oviedo made just 7-of-27 (26 percent) from 3-point range and just 19-of-62 (31 percent) overall.

Oviedo standout Shawn Witherspoon, last year's Class 6A Player of the Year, finished with 18 points.

NMCC played Christ the King on Saturday in the semifinals. Results from that game and the rest of the tournament will be in Monday's edition.