Senath-Hornersville's thrilling season comes to an early end

Simply put, Caruthersville had their number. After topping Senath-Hornersville on their home court in the Bootheel Conference Tournament, the Tigers appeared confident that they could repeat their success on Tuesday night in the Class 3, District 1 tournament.

The Tigers demonstrated their control of the game by finishing all four quarters with at least a 10 point lead. At times, the Lions trimmed the deficit below 10, but the Tigers always had an answer. By the fourth quarter, the Lions appeared to be out of options as they watched the clock tick down to 0. The final score: 68-53.

Victor Dukes and Austin Autry both scored a team-high 18 points. Dukes, an outgoing senior, struggled to battle back from a vicious ankle injury that he suffered against Kennett.

With his ankle heavily wrapped, Dukes still imposed his dominant scoring style throughout the game, but he was mostly forced to do it from the ground. Autry helped fill in the gaps throughout the game, but Caruthersville excelled in stopping the Lions' major scoring threat in Kyle Moore.

Moore was held to just 9 points in the game, thanks to relentless pressure from Daniel Fugate and Marcus Hunt. Early in the season, Moore scored 53 points on Caruthersville at their home court, so the Tigers focused on taming the Lions' key threat.

Caruthersville then held Moore to 10 points in their Bootheel Conference Tournament upset, so such a strategy has now paid off twice.

After the season-ending loss, head coach Lucas Nutt was clearly disappointed while remaining positive about the season gone by.

"Thinking about the whole year, I'm proud of them. We've had a good season," Nutt said. "It wasn't the season I wanted, or I think that we wanted, but I'm proud of them. 14-8, we're regular season conference champs; I'm proud of them."

The loss brings a bitter end to a very exciting season, which saw them go 14-8. It's only the second time in six years for which the Lions have finished above .500, and it's easily their best record in that time.

"These guys, they've played good. We've had some monstrous games; great performances from everyone," Nutt added. "I went right down the line, and every one of them has had something good to offer. My seniors have been great."

The Lions basketball program bids farewell to three seniors: Zach Johnson, Abe Arenas, and Victor Dukes.

An experienced guard, Johnson was a key player in every game this season, averaging 5.5 points per game and 5 assists. Arenas provided an important situational presence in the 6 games he appeared in.

Dukes made waves when he joined the lineup after the Christmas break. In the 11 games he appeared in, he averaged a double-double: 25.8 points and 12.8 rebounds. Among his highlights were a 51-point game in his debut against Malden.

"Those three have been good," Nutt said of his outgoing upperclassmen. "I just told them I appreciate them, and that it was an honor to coach them."

Now, Nutt has to look forward to a strong group of sophomores and juniors who are sure to be better and wiser next season.

"That's the main thing," Nutt said. "And I think we're going to be better next year. These guys will bounce back."

Among their returning star players are Kyle Moore and Austin Autry. Standing in at 6'6", Autry brought a much needed physical presence when he returned from injury in January. Since then, he averaged 8.8 points and nearly 5 rebounds.

Moore put the state of Missouri on notice when he scored 53 points in Caruthersville. He finished the season with an average for 24.6 points, 3 assists, and 3 rebounds.

"I always hate for the season to be over," Nutt added. "We feel like it's over way too soon, but that's okay. Most of them are juniors, and you've just got to live and learn. Hopefully, next year we will be tough as nails. I'll be looking forward to it."

SCORING SUMMARY

CHS: 17 - 18 - 16 - 17 - 68

SHS: 9 - 16 - 12 - 16 - 53

Caruthersville: Tyrone Alston 27, Chance Spain 8, Destine Russell 3, Daniel Fugate 11, Dalton Johnson 3, Lamont Bell 10, Malik Monroe 6. Three pointers: Alston 2, Johnson 1. FG 23, FT 19/34 55%

Senath-Hornersville: Jesse Childress 3, Zach Johnson 2, Mauricio Zapata 3, Austin Autry 18, Kyle Moore 9, Victor Dukes 18. Three pointers: Childress 1, Zapata 1, Moore 1. FG 21. FT 8/11 72%