Hounds boys start districts convincingly

GOWER, Mo. — The Maryville boys’ basketball team started postseason play on Tuesday night with a decisive victory over Cristo Rey in the Class 3, District 16 Tournament.

The Spoofhounds took control off the bat in an eventual 86-24 victory over the Pumas in the first-round district contest hosted by East Buchanan. With the victory, Maryville advances to the semifinal round.

Maryville started the night by leaping out to a 22-2 advantage by the end of the first quarter. At halftime, that lead was increased to 49-11.

Cristo Rey was never able to turn the tables, and the Spoofhounds outscored the Pumas in the second half, 37-13, to easily close out the victory.

Maryville (18-7) will face Bishop LeBlond at 6 p.m. Thursday in East Buchanan for a spot in the tournament’s championship contest. The Spoofhounds went 2-0 against the Golden Eagles this season, the first matchup a 60-39 win in the Cameron Tournament and the second a 69-47 victory at home on Feb. 1.