WEBB CITY, Mo. — A big second half led top-seeded Webb City past fourth-seeded Carl Junction 89-71 in the semifinals of the Class 5 District 12 boys basketball tournament on Tuesday night inside the Cardinal Dome.
The hosts led by just five at the end of a close first half, but the Cardinals outscored the Bulldogs 50-37 after the break.
The key for the Cardinals was a game-changing 29-11 third period.
“We were a lot better at finishing plays in the lane,” Webb City coach Jason Horn said of his team’s second half. “We missed some chip shots early. In the first half, I thought our guys executed what we wanted to do to get the shots we wanted, but we just didn’t finish some of them in traffic.”
The Bulldogs were able to hang tough in the first half by getting the ball inside.
“I thought we came out with good energy and a lot of effort and enthusiasm,” Carl Junction coach Justin Pock said. “I knew our guys would put up a fight.”
Horn gave the Bulldogs credit.
“Carl Junction played hard,” Horn said. “They had a good game plan.”
TITLE GAME IS FRIDAY
The Cardinals (18-8) will host second-seeded Nevada (20-5) at 7 on Friday night in the district title game. Nevada beat third-seeded Harrisonville 58-41 in its semifinal contest.
The Cardinals and Tigers split two meetings this season, both on neutral courts.
Webb City will look to capture its third straight district championship and fifth title in six years.
“This is our fifth straight year being in this game, so we’re excited,” Horn said. “We’re happy to be there. We’re looking forward to getting another shot at Nevada.”
NAMES & NUMBERS
Five players scored in double figures for the Cardinals. Mekhi Garrard led the way with 19 points on 8-of-15 shooting, while Cohl Vaden added 17 points with three 3-pointers.
Kaden Turner scored 15 points, Nickhai Howard added 11 and Trenton Hayes had 10. Alex Martin added eight points, Luke Brumit had six and Trey Roets scored three.
Garrard had a team-high eight rebounds, while Howard had seven boards and four assists.
The Cardinals shot 45 percent from the field (29-of-65) and hit 11 3-pointers.
Carl Junction’s Josh Cory scored 24 points by making 11-of-14 field goal attempts and two free throws. Sincere Williams had 20 points, while Alex Baker added 12 points and seven rebounds. Blake Poorman contributed nine points and eight boards.
The Bulldogs made 23-of-49 field goal attempts (47 percent). Carl Junction had 17 turnovers to Webb City’s six.
GAME RECAP
Webb City led 18-10 at the end of the first quarter and Vaden’s late 3-pointer gave the Cardinals a 39-34 advantage at halftime.
Webb City pulled away with a big third period and led 68-45 entering the fourth quarter.
“Defensively, we tried to mix up our looks,” Horn said. “The biggest thing defensively in the second half was our positioning was a little better.”
The hosts would never relinquish the lead.
“Webb City was able to hit some shots and pull away,” Pock said. “Some of the rebounds they got hurt us. But our guys fought hard.”
SEASON ENDS FOR BULLDOGS
With the loss, the season ended for Carl Junction (7-19).
Carl Junction’s seniors are Baker, Williams, Poorman, Mylas Derfelt, Trentyn Lehman and Isaiah Hefner.
Pock said the group led the way as his team made solid progress throughout the campaign, including earning late-season wins over Branson, Joplin and Aurora.
“I think that showed our senior leadership,” Pock said. “Carl Junction Basketball means a lot to them. We’re still building and growing. We faced some adversity. You could see us come together this year. You want to keep growing and we were playing our best basketball at the end of the year. I’m just sad to see it end.”
FULL STATS: Webb City School District – Stats View (stretchinternet.com)
