Milan Boys Head to First Show-Me-Showdown with Monster Comeback, Paris Girls Can’t Overcome Big Hole in C2 Quarters

The Wildcats overcame a 22 point deficit to defeat Eugene 71-65 in the Class 2 boys quarterfinal. The Eagles came out screaming by going six-for-six from beyond the arc to open the game. Midway through the second quarter, Milan began to speed the tempo up and force the Eagles into multiple turnovers. The Eugene margin was 12 at the half. In the second half, Wildcat senior Ryan Dabney got to work in the paint and Milan completed its comeback with 90 seconds remaining.

Scott Lunte with the call on Regional Radio and centralmoinfo.com. The Wildcats cut the deficit down to six at the end of the third quarter, but the Eagles’ Dyson Samson hit his seventh triple of the game to extend the lead back out to nine. After Dabney’s right hook, Eugene fouled and Dre Morehead iced the game with four made free-throws. Coach Andrea Dabney reflects on Milan’s first Show-Me-Showdown appearance in school history.

Ryan Dabney finished the game with 30 points, and senior Hunter Shaw added 17 for the Wildcats. Andrea talked about Milan’s comeback.

The 25-3 Wildcats face second ranked Hartville at 8:10pm Friday in the semifinals at the Hammons Student Center in Springfield. Eugene finishes the year 20-7.

In the girl’s quarterfinal, Tipton raced out to a 22-3 lead at the end of the first quarter and held off a Paris rally in the middle quarter to win 57-41. Despite trailing by as many 25 points in the second quarter, Paris was able to cut the deficit down to six late in the third. However, Tipton’s Myra Claas shifted the momentum back into the Lady Cardinals’ favor.

Colin Schowe with the call. Tipton would go on to outscore Paris 13-6 in the final quarter to salt away the victory. Claas led the Lady Cardinals with 23 points. Tipton advances to the Show-Me Showdown for the first time in school history and faces Blue Eye.

The Lady Coyotes season closes with a record of 17-12. Senior Tori Hamilton led Paris in scoring with 23 points, with 13 of those coming in the third quarter. Paris coach Garrett Thomas said Hamiltons’ points came against a tough defensive effort from Tipton.

Paris graduates four seniors from this year’s team. Along with Hamilton, Delaney Wheelan, Elizabeth Cupp, and Erin Heinecke played their last high school games for Paris. You can hear full interviews with Dabney and Thomas online at centralmoinfo.com.

Milan boys coach Andrea Dabney:

Paris girls coach Garrett Thomas: