Matt O’Harver Photography

In a rematch of a game I covered earlier, the previously unbeaten Hillsboro Hawks and De Soto Dragons met in the semi-final game at the Park Hills Christmas tournament. This time the results were a bit different. As De Soto outlasted Hillsboro for a three point win. But not without drama down the stretch, topped off by free throws with less then 4 seconds to go By De Soto’s Adam Jones to put De Soto up 45-42, followed by Hillsboro’s Zack Winchester ringing the ball off the rim from 3/4 court with time expiring. De Soto went on to lose the championship game to Champion Farmington. Next up for me, Wrestling for the first time this year as De Soto hosts Hillsboro on Wed. Jan 7, 2009. Then off to Crystal City to cover the Hornets and the St. Pius Lancers friday Jan. 9, 2009. Followed by a saturday Matinee at Jefferson College to see the #1 ranked Vikings take on Crowder College at 4pm. I highly recommend a visit to see the lady vikings before they head off to the national tournament, where they appear to be on course for a National Title.  Click the top photo to see more from the game.

The first year being played without its founder. The Gene Steighorst tournament featured a rivalry in the semi-final game I covered. De Soto vs. Hillsboro is always a great game to attend. The fans, the atmosphere, the pushing and shoving, and the intensity is almost always there. This game had most all of that for at least 3.5 quarters. With Hillsboro pulling away at the end. Hillsboro also defeated Howell Central in the finals. Click top photo to see more and purchase prints.

Tonight was a great night of HS boys Basketball. Covered the third place game featuring local School Herculaneum who was able to take third place from CCPS in a wild game. Then on to the Championship which featured host School Crystal City Hornets against Ste. Gen. in one of the closest games I have seen so far this year. Crystal City outlasted Ste. Gen and won the game. Click top photo to see more from the tournament and to purchase prints.

Today I covered final round of the Fox Girls basketball tournament. Two local teams were playing for 7th place. Fox and Windsor. Fox got the better of Windsor and won the game. Next Seckman was to play Ladue for the third place game. Ladue was just too much for the Jags tonight and took home the third place trophy. Click photo for more from  the tournament and to purchase prints.

Well After what seemed an eternity between sports. HS Basketball has started. First game is always nice to get under your belt. I got to see a fantastic game by the Windsor Owls and Seckman Jags. Windsor was definately the underdog, and kept the game interesting.  In the end it was Seckman pulling off the win. Click the photo to see more from the game and to purchase prints.

Here Seckman’s Kyle Leslie drives the baseline on his way to the basket.

Kyle Leslie