King Dominates and Propels MRH to Second Round of Tourney

Senior Tony King fueled the Maplewood Richmond Heights boys basketball team's offensive charge, but it was the Blue Devils' stingy defense that controlled the game Monday night.

A young Lift For Life Academy team—comprised only of freshmen and sophomores—continually turned the ball over against MRH's full-court press. The frustration was obvious, and the amount of traveling calls on the youthful Hawks in the first half was astounding.

"We executed defensively," coach Corey Frazier said. "The kids are playing for something right now."

King led the team with 29 points, scoring more in the first half than the entire Life For Life team (23 to 22).

Frazier said King sets the tone for the team. "If he's going to be aggressive, then we're going to be aggressive," Frazier said. "He’s ready for his third trophy."

King, a member of the MRH state championship teams in 2008 and 2009, scored 16 points in the opening six minutes as the Blue Devils raced to a 31-6 lead after one period.

Sophomore Kahlid Hagens added 17 points and junior Aaron Spudich chipped in with 10.

The Blue Devils will play Carnahan in the second round at 5 p.m. Wednesday at .