Below is a quick look at Wednesday’s girls basketball sectionals of local interest.
CLASS 4 GIRLS SECTIONAL
MOUNT VERNON AT AVA
WHEN: Wednesday, 6 p.m.
RECORDS: Mount Vernon 25-3, Ava 21-5
MOVING ON: The winner moves on to the quarterfinals on March 13 against either Blair Oaks or Eldon.
OUTLOOK: Mount Vernon is in the sectional round for the fifth straight season, and this is the first time they won’t play Strafford in this round during that span. Mount Vernon has won 12 straight games, while Ava is on an 11-game winning streak. The Mountaineers average 63 points per game and allow just 35. Ava is scoring 58 per game and giving up 42. There are three common opponents. Both schools have wins over Bolivar, Hollister and Springfield Catholic. Against Catholic, Ava won 51-48. The Mountaineers beat Catholic handily, 68-38.
The Mountaineers are ranked fourth, while Ava is unranked.
CLASS 5 GIRLS SECTIONAL
CARL JUNCTION AT MCDONALD COUNTY
WHEN: Wednesday, 6 p.m.
RECORDS: Carl Junction 17-8, McDonald County 13-14
MOVING ON: The winner advances to the March 13 quarterfinals, where they’ll meet either West Plains or Willard.
OUTLOOK: This is Carl Junction’s sixth straight appearance in the sectional round. McDonald County captured a district championship for the first time since 2015 by beating Logan-Rogersville 51-49. Carl Junction has beaten McDonald County twice this season, 53-22 at the Lady Eagle Classic, and 60-24 in Anderson on Jan. 4. The Bulldogs score 55 points per game and give up 48. On average, the Mustangs score 40 and allow 44. The Bulldogs are receiving votes in the Class 5 poll.
