The Hickman girls basketball team opened its season yesterday in Fort Smith, Ark., with a 49-37 loss to Norman, Okla., in the Tournament of Champions.

Yvonne Anderson scored a game-high 29 points, but only three other players scored for the Kewpies. Hickman’s two other returning starters from last year’s Class 5 third-place team - Chasity Prince and Taylor Ford - were held scoreless.

The game was tied at 14 after one quarter, but Norman (3-1) built a 27-22 halftime lead. Lacy Ramon led Norman with 13 points, and Ashley Bruner totaled 12 points and 11 rebounds. Hickman was outrebounded 40-23.

"They were just tenacious on the boards," Hickman Coach Tonya Mirts said.

Hickman plays Fort Smith Northside today in a consolation semifinal.

● Rock Bridge 67, Springfield Central 56: The Bruins (4-1) took a 21-point lead into the fourth quarter and advanced to the semifinals of the Kickapoo Tournament. The Bruins face St. Joseph’s Academy tonight for a spot in the championship game.

Katherine Harry led four Bruins in double figures with 16 points. Claire Schaeperkoetter scored 13, while Andrea Seabaugh had 11 and Amaya Williams added 10. A strong emphasis on rebounding helped Rock Bridge secure the comfortable win.

Men’s basketball

● Central Methodist 70, Graceland 57: Matt Sherman had 19 points to lead the Eagles (5-7, 1-2), who picked up their first Heart of America Athletic Conference win. Jeff Blauvelt added 15 points, and Brinton Bevens chipped in with 13.

Women’s basketball

● Graceland 69, Central Methodist 59: Holly Wade had 16 points and seven rebounds for the Eagles (3-6, 1-2 HAAC) and Danielle Boraz added 13 points and eight rebounds.

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