The loss saddles the Kewpies with a losing season as the Bruins move on
COLUMBIA — The Rock Bridge Bruins defense was able to limit the scoring of the Hickman Kewpies by causing multiple tournovers in a 51-27 win in the semifinal round of the Class 5, District 10 tournament. Hickman (13-14) did not score in double figures in any quarter and no Kewpie scored in double figures. The Bruins (23-2) dominated the second quarter, outscoring the Kewpies by 13 points to take a 26-14 lead at halftime. Rock Bridge junior Briton Rudd sparked the dominance, grabbing five rebounds in the quarter and scoring five points.
“When rebounding, I’m focused on the ball and I use my athleticism to jump up and grab the ball,” Rudd said on his 17th birthday.
Hickman assistant coach Rod Kelly said he knew that once his team got down by double digits that they could be in trouble.
“Once you get in a hole, it’s hard to come back, especially with a team like Rock Bridge,” Kelly said. “They are fundamentally sound and well-coached.”
Hickman head coach summed up his team’s thoughts and his own.
“It’s been a long day,” Ash said.
Rock Bridge plays Jefferson City at 3 p.m. today in the district championship game at Rock Bridge. Rock Bridge beat the Jays 61-38 in their first meeting.