Larkin falls to Missouri power

Larkin's inability to sink shots from the perimeter was a deciding factor in a 61-47 loss to Missouri power Hazelwood Central at the Route 66 Shootout in Waynesville, Mo. Friday night.

Larkin (5-4) trailed 33-23 at halftime after shooting 35 percent from the field in the first two quarters, 0-for-8 from 3-point range. Keion Adams made the only 3-pointer of the game in the second half for the Royals, who finished 1 of 13 from beyond the arc.

"It was back and forth for about a quarter, then we got down by 8-12 points and it was like that the rest of the way," Larkin coach Deryn Carter said. "We turned it over a couple too many times (16) and we couldn't make shots. We have to play better from the perimeter, but it could be an anomaly. I don't know."

Christian Negron scored 18 points on 7-of-16 shooting and he grabbed 7 boards for the Royals, who were outrebounded 33-29. Guard AJ Hunter contributed 11 points and 4 rebounds.

Hazelwood Central (6-1), ranked No. 3 in this week's Missouri Basketball Coaches Association poll of Class 5 teams, was led by Dominique Dobbs. He finished with 22 points on 9-of-15 shooting to go with 12 rebounds. Xavier Sneed added 15 points.

"Overall, we have to take another step if we want to compete with these types of teams," Carter added. "We can play with them, but we have to find another level and play at that level for 32 minutes."

Larkin concludes play at the Route 66 Shootout against St. Louis Christian Saturday at 2:30 p.m.

Burlington Central 81, North Boone 53: Ryan Fitzgerald had 28 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Rockets (8-0, 3-0) to a Big Northern East win.

Glenbard East 44, West Aurora 43: In the Upstate Eight Valley, DaQuan Cross had 9 points and Caleb Siler 8 for West Aurora (3-5, 1-1).

Luther North 55, Harvest Christian 50: Brett Cramer scored 13 points, Riley Steiner had 12 points and 3 assists and Jack Nohava added 10 points and 7 rebounds for Harvest Christian (3-8, 2-2) in the Northeastern Athletic Conference.