HERMANN, Mo. - The South Callaway Bulldogs tumbled to 1-8 on the season despite presenting a strong challenge against the unbeaten Hermann Bearcats in Friday night's non-conference loss.
The game was tied 13-all after one quarter and South Callaway was only down 27-26 at halftime. The Bulldogs were only behind 50-46 to begin the fourth quarter, but Hermann outscored South Callaway 12-8 over the final 8 minutes to secure the win.
Junior guard Kaden Helsel logged a game-high 19 points and senior guard Blake Parker was next with 17 for the Bulldogs.
Matthew Heidger countered with 17 points to pace four players in double figures for the Bearcats (10-0). Matthew Wade tallied 15 points, Trey McKague contributed 14 and Garrett Leimkuehler added 12.
"I felt we really competed well vs. an undefeated team," South Callaway head coach Tony Brandt said. "In the end, (Hermann) hit a few more shots down the stretch than we did.
"They haven't shot the ball well from the perimeter all season, but Heidger was able to hit five 3s vs. our zone (defense), which made the difference."
The Bulldogs are the fourth seed for their South Callaway Tournament this week and will match up with No. 5 New Haven in the first round at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. The game will be played at the high school.