COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Watching Scott County Central and Jefferson destroy their respective opponents Friday simply confirmed what we already suspected.

Thursday's early afternoon semifinal was the de facto state championship.

Without Doug Archer harassing him in the post, 6-foot-2 freshman forward Otto Porter went nuts for 21 points and 11 rebounds and benefited from some highlight-reel assists from D.D. Gillespie and Bobby Hatchett. Once again, the Braves hassled the opposing team -- this time, Fair Play -- into upward of 20 turnovers and used them to score 22 fast-break points in an 83-58 win in the third-place game.

Gillespie also followed up his 18-point effort against Jefferson with 21 points, and Drew Thomas chipped in 16.

Only held to under 70 points four times all year, SCC loses two of its three top scorers but has the talent for a return to Columbia in 2009. Same goes for junior-heavy Glasgow, which only loses two senior role players.

-- After almost single-handedly knocking Gilman City and Rock Port out of the playoffs, Kaci Sargent once again led Meadville to a third-place showing in Friday's consolation final.

The Eagles senior led her team to a 58-36 win against Macks Creek behind an 18-point, 21-rebound effort. Her board total, which included nine offensive rebounds, tied her with six others for second place on the single-game record list. She trails only Marshfield's Stacy Nunn, who pulled down 23 against Duchesne in 1988.

Undefeated and ranked No. 1 entering the semis, Meadville (30-1) finally received a double-digit effort from one of its guard, as Kendra Holcer poured in 13. Backcourt teammates Hayley Zell and Courtney Cooper -- also limited in the playoffs -- combined for 11, while Kailee Cowan kept up her steady pace with nine points and four boards.

-- Here's an idea for you to chew on: why not include a skills competition at the end of the Show-Me Showdown?

The more I think about it, the better it sounds.

There would be a 3-point shooting competition. A dunk contest. The works. And all of it would lead up to a 3-on-3 tournament full of all-state players.

Hogan Prep's Marcus Denmon running the break against Gillespie. Taryne Bruce of Hamilton matching up down low with Northeast (Cairo)'s Brandie Roberts -- both ridiculously talented, multi-sport athletes. Doug Archer posting up against Kyle Elder of West Platte.

Highly unlikely? Probably. Highly entertaining? Definitely.