Sheldon boys advance to district championship

WILLARD, Mo. -- Sheldon advanced to the boys' Class 1, District 5 tournament championship at Willard High School, squeezing by Dadeville in the semifinals Wednesday night, with a 47-43 victory.

The Panthers are due to meet Fair Play, a 74-61 surprise winner over Walnut Grove, for the title and the right to advance to the next round in the state playoffs. That game is scheduled for Friday, at Willard High School, at 7:30 p.m. Sheldon enters the district championship game with a 22-4 mark, while Fair Play is 12-14.

The Panthers had to rally from behind in Wednesday's contest, as they trailed, 14-9, after the first 8 minutes. Their slow start continued in the second period, as they managed just eight points and found themselves trailing, 27-17, at halftime.

But the second half was a different story, as Sheldon came out after intermission and put up 16 points, while holding Dadeville to nine. That closed the gap to 36-33, with 8 minutes remaining.

The Panthers kept up the pressure by adding 14 points and doubling the Dadeville scoring of seven for the victory.

Reed Worsley led the winners with 15 points. Micah Swanson netted 13, Zack Enochs nine, and Corey Baney eight.

Will Sappington's 15 topped Dadeville, with Zane Medley contributing 14.