Staff photo by Mike Buhler Delta C7's James Blanton (left) goes to the basket against a pair of Risco defenders during the first quarter of Monday's first-round game at the Tri-County Tournament in Cooter. [Click to enlarge]

COOTER, Mo. -- The Risco Tigers used a strong second half and an outstanding outside attack as they knocked down nine 3-pointers to pull away with a 76-59 win over the Delta C7 Chargers in the opening round of the Tri County Conference tournament here Monday night at Cooter.

The game was a dogfight for most of the first half and the opening minutes of the game were no exception as the guard play of Delta C7, led by Damien Flowers, matched the Tigers blow for blow on the way to a 16-16 first-quarter score.

The second quarter brought more of the same as Risco's senior leader Kyle White knocked down three 3-pointers, while Flowers and Sloan Richardson combined for 14 second-quarter points to pace the Chargers as the score was knotted at 31-31 at the half.

Staff photo by Mike Buhler Delta C7's Damien Flowers (23) shoots over a Risco defender during Monday's game at the Tri-County Tournament. [Click to enlarge]

However as play resumed, it became obvious that Risco made some halftime adjustments as the Tigers dominated the third quarter by outscoring Delta 22-7 in the period.

"We came out of the locker room and just got dominated," said Delta C7 coach Nathan Baker after the game. "I told our guys before the game, this is the third time we've played them. We won one, they won one, tonight is not about who's better, it's about who wants it more. Tonight Risco just wanted it more, especially in that third quarter."

Risco's overwhelming advantage in depth also played a big factor in the lopsided second half, as the Tigers' bench outscored Delta's reserves 27-2. Tim Huskisson led the effort off the bench for Risco as he tossed in all nine of his points in the final period to help carry to Tigers to the final buzzer.

White, who has been the heart and soul of the Risco squad all year, leads an impressive group of guards who could pose a danger throughout the week with their outside shooting ability.

"That Kyle White, he's been a thorn in our side every time we've played them," Baker said. "They've really got some shooters over there. I thought we did a better job on White tonight, but it wasn't enough."

Flowers led the Chargers, and all scorers with 20 points while Richardson and James Blanton joined him in double digits with 13 and 11, respectively. White led the Risco attack with 19 points.

In earlier action, Risco's junior varsity squad also won its opening round game by knocking off seventh-seeded North Pemiscot 48-27.

The Clarkton basketball program kicked off the evening by also picking up a pair of wins on the night. The third-seeded junior varsity Reindeer won a heartstopper over sixth-seeded Holcomb on a Jordan Jones buzzer-beater to give Clarkton the 54-51 win. In varsity action, top-seeded Clarkton knocked off No. 8 Holcomb 81-54, outscoring the Hornets 26-11 to end the game.

Play continues today at the tournament, as No. 2 Gideon takes on seventh-seeded North Pemiscot at 4 p.m. while third-seeded Campbell faces off with host Cooter at 8:30 p.m. In jayvee action, Gideon takes on Cooter at 5:30 p.m. and top-seeded Campbell faces off with Delta C7 at 7 p.m.