Mehlville Boys Lose First Round in Chaminade Tournament

Pattonville had three players in double figures as the Pirates, 3-2, defeated Mehlville 45-39 in first round at the Chaminade Holiday Tournament Monday evening. 

"We have been working on taking care of the ball," said Panther Coach Andy Guethle. "Their press in the first half didn't have much effect. It was the turnovers that were the difference."

Mehlville was led by the team's two big men.  Six-foot 6-inch junior Adis Mujakic scored only four points but grabbed eight rebounds and had two blocked shots and a steal. 

The 6-foot 5-inch senior Edlin Dilberovic scored a game-high 14 points along with six rebounds.  Senior guard Michael Penny also had 10 points, two assists and a steal.

"Edlin has been playing some very good offense.  Adis is only a junior and his game right now is defense. He already had 20-rebounds in a game this season," Guethle said.

Pattonville, the No. 2 seed could not shake off the seventh-seeded Panthers. Despite having a 24-18 halftime lead, the Pirates offense was clearly not firing on all cylinders. It was not until halfway through the third quarter when Pattonville's fast-paced offense finally showed itself.

"Once we ran our offense the way it was designed, things started to click," said Pirate Coach Kelly Thames. "We have some guards who are real athletes. They can all drive to the basket and still see and dish to the open man."

As good as Pattonville played, Mehlville never gave up. With 3:47 left in the third quarter, the Panthers pulled within two points at 29-27. They were within five points with a minute left in the game, when Pirates Dion Scott and Martez Mason each put up two free throws to open the lead.

Unforced turnovers eventually caused defeat for Mehlville. 

The Panthers fell to 2-5 and will play the No. 6 seed John Burroughs Tuesday at 5 p.m.  Burroughs lost to Bayless 81-48 in first round action.

The Pirates move on and play the No. 3 seed Bayless Tuesday night at 8:15 p.m.