Thursday’s Live Blog from HS district hoops at Parkview

8:58: Thanks for joining our live blog tonight from Parkview High School. Come back for Saturday’s action between Nixa and Branson for the Class 5, District 11 Championship bout. You’ll pay for the whole seat, but only need the edge.

8:54: Scoring – Nixa 60: Austin Ruder 8, Jordan Keeney 11, Jalen Norman 8, Zach Hill 9, Ben Fisher 4, Kameron Bundy 6, Seth Matlock 12, Gabe Woodman 2; Parkview 48: Alex Poke 8, Erik Durham 2, Diondre Johnson 6, Jalen Goodwin 6, Taylor Accord 8, Jordan Hitchcock 2, Korry Tillery 16.

8:51: Diondre Johnson brings on a chorus of “You got swatted” with a block. Accord drills near half-court shot at buzzer. Nixa wins 60-48. Scoring stats to come.

8:46: Starting to get excited about the Branson-Nixa matchup as “Dirty Birds” make their exit with :53 to play. Ugly half of basketball. Eagles wholesale sub to get kids district PT (probably won’t get much time on Saturday).

8:45: Fisher hits pair of FTs, 56-42 (1:30).

8:44: I always enjoy the didn’t-do-it look from a player after hammering somebody.

8:42: There would be more Eagles chatter, but it’s simply get fouled and make two free throws … not much excitement on their end, just taking care of the ball.

8:41: Very surprised by the lack of Poke. After six points early, he was completely taken out of his game. Taylor Accord hits his first three for Vikings before Tillery fouls out. Nixa leads 53-40 (1:45 to play).

8:38: Jalen Goodwin leaves floor with stream of blood running from nose – Vikings are in foul mode, trail 53-37 (2:14 to play). PHS timeout. “Keep working,” coach Brown says.

8:36: Tillery makes tough shot then forces a turnover … Vikings lose it out of bounds. (2:34 to play, 49-37)

8:35: Johnson forces jump ball, Parkview needs serious spark to make this interesting. Nixa leads 49-35 (4:17).

8:32: Jordan Keeney hits from left block … then Diondre Johnson called for traveling. Looked like he got bumped pretty well. Nixa running clock.

8:30: Ben Fisher steal, but misses layup. Teams are anxious and running. After a Matlock putback, Tillery hits a three from top of key. 47-35 (4:52).

8:28: Key word heard from Bill Brown in Parkview timeout: “scared”. Diondre Johnson responds with tough bucket, before Nixa’s Ruder hits 3-pointer from right wing. Nixa leads second half 20-5.

8:26: Matlock opens fourth with a pair of free throws. Vikings need a run. A reverse layup from Kameron Bundy doesn’t help that cause. Nixa leads 42-28 (7:00). PHS timeout.

8:25: I missed the “end of game will be sounded with starter’s pistol” before end of Branson-Poo. Have to admit I jumped. Not this time.

8:23: Eagles finish off 14-3 quarter with easy two from Norman, lead 38-28 to start fourth.

8:21: Nixa can hold for last shot with 1:13 left in third, Vikings need defensive stop badly.

8:18: Parkview not rotating in zone, gives Hill a second look at 3 in corner – buckets - then throws ball away Jalen Norman hits circus shot to put Eagles up 36-28 (1:44).

8:17: Matlock hits a pair of free throws, Nixa has its biggest lead of the game, 31-28 (4:09).

8:15: Hadn’t heard from Alex Poke until now (4:31 in third) when he picks up third personal. Nixa in man-to-man and Bundy has Poke locked down. Vikings timeout, still 29-28.

8:14: Keeney picks up 3rd personal, heads to bench

8:13: Keeney skip pass to Kameron Bundy wide open on left wing for 3, Nixa leads 29-28 (5:23).

8:12: Johnson is Vikings’ first option on three second half possessions – gets easy dropstep bucket, Matlock answers for Nixa – 28-26 after Tillery goes 1-for-2 at line (5:44 in 3rd)

8:10: Keeney opens second half by drawing offensive foul on Diondre Johnson (his third).

8:07: Nixa rotated through defensive looks in the first half. I’m curious to see how the Eagles come out in the second half. Tillery had a lot of success inside. Look for a lot of Jordan Keeney in the second half.

8:05: This just in. Flannel is popular. And shredded jeans. How come my pants never look so perfectly worn out when they age? Oh well.

8:02: First-half points - Parkview: Poke 6, Johnson 2, Goodwin 5, Hitchcock 2, Tillery 10; Nixa: Ruder 3, Keeney 9, Norman 4, Hill 4, Matlock 2, Woodman 2

7:59: Zach Hill buzzer-beater rims out for Nixa, half closes with Parkview leading 25-24.

7:58: Keeney hits a pair of free throws for Nixa, answered by strong take to bucket by Tillery – 25-22 Vikings

7:56: Right on cue, Tillery yanks down a board and gets the tough putback – Parkview 23, Nixa 20 (1:05 in half).

7:54: “Somebody shoots and nobody goest to the basket” – Parkview fan. The Vikings have given up on the offensive glass. They’re having trouble with Nixa’s 2-3 zone.

7:53: Seth Matlock knots it at 18-18 with up & under.

7:52: The only action right now is coming from the Parkview student section.

7:50: Eagles playing with a sneaky second defender behind Tillery. Vikings are trying to work two-man game with Poke and Tillery.

7:49: Nixa ties it momentarily on a 3 from Austin Ruder, but Kory Tillery promptly puts Vikings back in front, 18-16 (5:54).

7:46: A sloppy end to the first quarter with four consecutive turnovers. Nobody gets last shot.

7:43: Diondre Johnson picks up his second foul, heads to bench with 54 seconds in quarter … Alex Poke takes bump from Ben Fisher and finishes 3-point play for Parkview, 16-12 (41.8).

7:41: Nixa comes out of timeout in 1-2-1-1 full-court press, turns into Tanner Woodman layup, Tillery keeps Parkview in lead, 13-12 (1:27).

7:40: Keeney back, hits immediate jumper, sandwiched by easy buckets for Nixa freshman Jalen Norman. Eagles pull to 11-10 (2:44 in Q1).

7:38: Keeney and Fisher hit bench with early fouls – Diondre Johnson strong putback to give Vikings 9-4 lead (4:06)

7:36: Jordan Keeney puts the Eagles on the board, before Alex Poke drills 3 from top of the key, 7-2 (5:14)

7:35: Parkview shows 2-3 zone, Nixa in straight up man. Goodwin bucket, 4-0 Parkview, 6:25 in first quarter

7:43: We have the tip – and Vikings go strong early. Tillery fouled on putback attempt, leads off with pair from the stripe.

7:31: Parkview wears the away green, but will be the Vikings on the board. Starters -Parkview: Alex Poke, Diondre Johnson, Jalen Goodwin, Kory Tillery, Jordan Hitchcock; Nixa: Jordan Keeney, Zachary Hill, Ben Fisher, Kameron Bundy, Seth Matlock

7:28: Speaking of Tag Team this is Brett tagging in for Allen for Nixa vs. Parkview – on the way out he locks down a Lady Bears podcast with Whitney Scott. Look for that next week and a Bears podcast with Lyndal Scranton tomorrow.

7:26: MSU assistant Trevyor Fisher strolls in front of press row – a few ties in this one with younger bro Ben Fisher at Nixa.

7:23: More Tag(sgf.com) Team and Tootsie Roll for the near-capacity crowd.

7:15: As I try to shake that boatrace/blowout/massacre out of my mind, what was the last “big” game Parkview has played in? Even the Charles Frazier teams from a half-decade ago didn’t have any district success. Parkview has only won two districts since 1982 (1989 and ’90). I’m not sayin’, I’m just sayin’.

7:13: Stat geekage: Branson was led by Thomas’ 23 points, while Tee Helsel had 15 and Dingman had 12. Kickapoo was led by Wingert’s 13 points and seven rebounds. Dominating. It’s making me start to wonder if this Parkview-Nixa game will be close.

7:09: Tee Helsel makes two free throws to let the benches empty. Brandon Helsel gets a standing O from the Kickapoo faithful. Turboclock runs it out at Branson 73, Kickapoo 41. Haven’t seen a pasting like that in a long time. Back with some stat geekage.

7:06: Thomas goes with another reverse layup. The turboclock is in play after a Branson foul. Unfortunately, the next game won’t start sooner than 7:30.

7:05: McMillin says: “This has devolved into a pickup game at Missouri State. On the outdoor courts.”

7:01: I’m going to refrain from using the word embarrassing, but Branson doesn’t have its top two players on the floor and another starter sitting right in front of me and they are starting to boatrace the Chiefs. Dana Thomas makes two free throws to double up Kickapoo 58-29 with 6:41 left. Are we seriously facing a turboclock?

6:59: After a 45-point quarter, Branson doubled its score and leads Kickapoo 52-29 after three quarters. The Chiefs are starting to take more chances, which could lead to a Dingman dunk fest in the fourth quarter. That’s assuming he plays many minutes. He’s not starting the quarter.

6:53: This is making “out of hand” look like amputation. Dingman hits an open 3 from the quarter. After not having a field goal in the first half, Dingman is up to eight in the second half, but they are emphatic. The good news for the Chiefs? Kickapoo has 16 points in the quarter. The bad news? Branson has extended the lead to 47-26, 1:06 left 3Q.

6:48: Just as I’m about ready to start the “Where is Avery Dingman going to attend college” conversation, he throws one down with two hands. Dude has pogo sticks for legs. He’s as versatile guy. His detractors question his toughness and he’s answering all of those questions tonight. 40-22, Branson, 3:12 left 3Q.

6:47: Despite being without two starters, Branson isn’t letting up. Dingman buries a 3 and it’s 34-14 Branson, 5:21 left 3Q. Yes, Branson is ahead by more than Kickapoo has scored.

6:45: Look like Pugh isn’t coming back. He’s on the end of the bench with an icepack. Junior Paul Stevens, who had a free throw at the end of the first half, gets an offensive rebound and scores. Looks like he’s getting Pugh’s minutes. Let’s hope Pugh is OK. Branson up 29-12, 6:33 left 3Q.

6:41: State geekage – Branson scoring: Thomas 9, Tee Helsel 9, Dingman 2, Pugh 2, Koomen 2, Lamareaux 1, Stevens 1; Kickapoo scoring: Wingert 4, Underwood 2, Rippee 2, Helsel 2.

6:32: Paul Stevens leaks out after a Thomas steal. He makes one of two and Tyler Hall misses a last-second 3. Branson in control 26-10 at halftime. Back with the typical stat geekage and halftime entertainment.

6:30: Branson leads 25-10 with 41.4 left. No Pugh, no Dingman, no problem.

6:28: By the way, Sam Pugh is out with a rolled ankle. Look like he’s getting taped up and might try to come back. Right now, they don’t need him, but they will later.

6:27: So much for this being Dingman vs. Wingert. This is Thomas and Tee Helsel on nobody. Tee Helsel scores in the paint for his eighth point of the quarter and ninth of the game. Branson is up 24-10 with 1:50 left in the half.

6:25: Who needs to look at the rim? Dana Thomas gets a rebound, thinks he gets fouled, so he puts it up with his back to the basket in the pain. It hits the middle of the square and falls through perfect. Local freelancer and TAGsgf.com friend Justin McMillin says, “Athleticism is a beautiful thing.”

6:23: Surrounded by members of the local media, Local radio legend Art Hains asks if my picture is of a decapitated Branson Pirate. Never looked at it that way. The answer is…

6:21: Helsel goes Hibachi for another 3-pointer to stretch the lead to 20-6. Even with his two fouls, Brandon Helsel checks in and gets a quick bucket for the Poo. Timeout Branson up 20-8 with 4:31 left in the half.

6:19: Sam Pugh tries to go give-and-go for an alley-oop to Dingman, but AD isn’t ready. No worries, just kick it out to Tee Helsel for a wiiiiiiide open 3. Branson up 15-6 with 6:03 left 2Q and it doesn’t even feel that close.

6:16: Dana Thomas is the MVP of this game for Branson. With time running out, he buries a 3-pointer right in front of the Kickapoo Superfans.Thomas has 7 of Branson’s 12 points. Branson leads 12-6 after one quarter.

6:14: Wingert cleans up an Underwood miss, but Thomas goes 360 on a layup. Lots of cheering, but morem “Did he just really do that?” After a Ryan Rippee layup, it’s 9-6 Branson, 23.3 left 1Q.

6:12: Underwood scores on a feed from Wingert. Again recruiting nerds, Wingert and Dingman are guarding each other. 7-2, 2:28 left 1Q.

6:11: A vastly underrated Thomas dishes in the paint to a wide-open Koomen who lays it in. Kickapoo coach Dick Rippee calls timeout. 7-0 Branson, 3:33 left 1Q. Yes, that’s right. Kickapoo hasn’t scored.

6:09: Kickapoo can’t find Dana Thomas while playing zone on the inbounds. Thomas makes the layup, but misses the free throw. Branson gets the offensive rebound and resets. This all after Brandon Helsel picks up his second foul at the 4:22 mark. Bad start for the Chiefs.

6:08: Where is Bill Raftery when I need him? Branson is in a, “MAN-TO-MAN!” AND IT’S A GOOD ONE, TOO. KICKAPOO IS 0-FOR-4 TO START THE GAME. I’ll stop typing in capitals, now. 3-0 Branson, 4:22 1Q.

6:06: Sam Pugh unleashes a jumper that bounces off backrim, goes up and touches the top of the backboard and goes in. 2-0, Branson, 6:18 1Q. Kickapoo is in a 2-3 zone, by the way.

6:05: Apparently there is a no two-point shooting rule for Branson. Two possessions, two passes, two missed 3-pointers.

6:04: In a nice moment for recruiting nerds (like me), Dingman beats Wingert on the opening tip.

6:02: Kickapoo starters: Tyler Hall, Brandon Helsel, Cody Anderson, Chris Underwood and Brodie Wingert; Branson starters: Avery Dingman, Sam Pugh, Dana Thomas, Tee Helsel, Matt Koomen.

5:56: My pick? I’m going with Branson, despite all the Kickapoo love recently. And on that note, the Parkview PA just started pumping “Tootsie Roll.” Awesome.

5:52: Fellow TAGsgfer Brett Johnston just walked in and suggested we start with a suggestion to the student section: “Will you please ask them if they’ll carpool next time? I followed in a line of about eight kids, all in their own cars.”

I think they’ll get the message.

5:51: OK, we are live from Parkview High School nestled into the first row of bleachers (That’s in case you see me on Mediacom TV down the road.).

Before we get into the matchups, let’s get some news out of the way. Branson senior guard Chris Ogden will sit out this game after being suspended for a citizenship issue. Now, let’s talk about what that means.

Branson has beat Kickapoo twice, but they’ve been close. And many believe Kickapoo is the favorite. We’re about 8 minutes from tip off.

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Standing next to the court with Parkview HS athletic director Ray Shaffer, both of us still in shock that Glendale knocked off Nixa — the defending Class 5 girls’ basketball champs — he looked at me and stated the camoflauged obvious.

“We haven’t had a bad game, yet,” he said.

He’s right. Lost in the highlights are how every game, whether boys or girls, at this week’s Class 5 District 11 tournament at Parkview have been close.

That’s exactly why Allen Vaughan and Brett Johnston are heading to Parkview High School tonight to Live Blog about tonight’s boys’ semifinal games for Class 5 District 11. It’s hands down the best basketball district in the state, with two state ranked teams (Nixa and Kickapoo) and drama. There are unconfirmed rumors that one of the teams will be missing a guard because of a suspension.

Still, all six of the teams are within the top nine of our local rankings and to make things better, three state-ranked teams were knocked off on Wednesday night, including Columbia Rock Bridge, the team that represented this quadrant of the bracket in last year’s final four.

Here is tonight’s schedule:

• (1) Branson vs. (5) Kickapoo, 6 p.m.
• (2) Nixa vs. (3) Parkview, 7:30 p.m.

If you’re not familiar with our Live Blog history, we essentially crank up a laptop and pound out running commentary throughout the night. If you can’t be in attendance, but want more than quarter and halftime updates, we are your place. Need scores from other districts? We’ll update when we have them. Even if you are at the game, you can use our mobile site to keep up (Just use TAGsgf.com and it should fit in your normal browser). We also offer halftime entertainment and other fun things to occupy your multitasking mind.

If you want some past examples, we don’t mind a critical eye. Here are some recent Live Blogs, starting with Wednesday’s recap of the girls’ semifinals — including Glendale’s stunning win over Nixa — Tuesday’s boys’ semifinals action, Saturday’s Missouri State-Nevada BracketBuster thriller and then dating back to the Tournament of Champions.

Enjoy, and if you want to contribute, or throw out some questions, leave them below in the comments section.