COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) - Juwan Owens scored 27 points to help Scott County Central pull away from Meadville 69-39 to claim the Missouri Class 1 boys basketball championship.
The teams traded early baskets Saturday before Scott County Central (26-5) took the lead for good on Matthew Blissett's two free throws with 4:10 left in the opening quarter. The Braves led 32-22 at halftime before Owens erupted for 21 points after the break, including four 3-pointers.
Kendall Blissett grabbed nine rebounds for the Braves, who made eight of their 15 3-point attempts en route to winning their state-record 17th title.
Kolton Friesner scored 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting and Cade Shiflett added 10 for Meadville (25-4), which committed 30 turnovers and had the ball stolen 16 times.