STL Area Small Schools Advance to State Quarterfinals

Five area schools moved one step closer to the Final Four of the state tournament with impressive victories in the Class 2 and 3 state sectional playoffs on Wednesday night.

Wellston's boys continued its last season with a 71-55 victory over
Louisiana in the Class 2 sectionals at Troy. Junior standout Ben
McLemore had 27 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Trojans. Wellston
trailed at halftime, but exploded with a 29-10 third quarter to take
control of the game. Wellston (17-10) will move on to the state
quarterfinals on Saturday afternoon in Jefferson City at 2:45 p.m. It is
the last season for Wellston basketball as the school district is
closing at the end of the school year.

In Class 3, boys powers Cardinal Ritter and Whitfield moved one step
closer to a big showdown in Columbia with big sectional victories.
Cardinal Ritter defeated Herculaneum 71-34 at Jefferson College in
Hillsboro while Whitfield defeated Elsberry 75-45 at St. Charles West.
Ritter will face Kennett in the state quarterfinals on Saturday in
Farmington while Whitfield will face Schuyler Co. in Hannibal. If both
teams win, it will set up a big semifinals showdown next week in
Columbia.

In Class 3 girls action, defending state champion Cardinal Ritter
defeated St. Pius 58-38 in the state sectional playoffs at Jefferson
College. All-State senior forward Hazaria Washington scored 26 points to
lead the Lions. Ritter will face Greenville in the state quarterfinals
on Saturday in Farmington. In the biggest surprise of the night, North
County Tech defeated Bowling Green 64-61 at St. Charles West. North
County Tech, who won their first ever district championship last week,
continued its magical ride with a thrilling come-from-behind victory
over Bowling Green. The Golden Eagles trailed by 10 points in the fourth
quarter before mounting their furious rally to win. Junior Yelena Rosado
scored 21 points to lead North County Tech. They advance to the state
quarterfinals on Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. in Hannibal.