Junior High Roundup: DMS Warriors Win 12th Straight

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ Du Quoin (Middle School) extended its boys basketball winning streak to an even dozen Wednesday night, edging Benton (Middle School) 39-37 in a rescheduled contest at DMS Gym.

The Warriors, 14-2, host Trico Monday night and avenged a loss to Benton in the finals of the Du Quoin Tip-Off Classic nearly two months ago.

"We needed a game like this to build some character," DMS varsity coach Ryan Heape said.

"We were fortunate to get a few good bounces in the fourth quarter and hold on for a big win."

Du Quoin trailed 17-9 at halftime, going scoreless the entire second period.

As the third quarter ended, the Warriors had surged back ahead 28-26.

Austin Mansker scored 15 points for DMS with Deeja Cole adding eight points. Nate Boss chipped in with seven and Brenden Fred five.

Mansker also had four assists an five steals.

Cole led the way with nine rebounds while Boss had four defensive deflections.

YOUNG WARRIORS WIN

With Camden Youngman and Spencer Cook combining for 25 points and 21 rebounds, Du Quoin's seventh grade team rolled to a 39-25 win in Wednesday's preliminary.

Youngman (14 points, 10 rebounds) had five steals with Cook adding 11 points and 11 boards.

Daulton Bigham, Camden Mercier, Will Galik and Matt Galik all handed out three assists. Mercier had four more steals.

"Again we played well defensively, rebounded and pushed the ball up the floor," DMS coach Jason James said. "I am really proud of these boys. They are really playing hard."

Du Quoin is 11-4.