The Joplin High School girls basketball team suffered a 50-34 setback at Chillicothe on Tuesday night.
The Hornets, who improved to 7-1, are ranked fifth in Class 4 by the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association.
“Chillicothe was a great opportunity to go and play a high quality opponent, as well as being able to see a different style of basketball than what we are used to seeing,” Joplin coach Luke Floyd said. “On a personal level, it was fun to go home and play in front of family and friends.”
The Eagles trailed by six at the break, 20-14.
“From a basketball perspective, we played one of our best halves of the year the first half,” Coach Floyd said. “The girls competed hard, played tremendous defense, took care of the basketball, and did a great job all around. Unfortunately we were unable to repeat that same effort in the second half.”
Chillicothe outscored Joplin 16-7 in the third quarter to take a 36-21 lead into the fourth period.
The final frame was nearly even, but the Eagles were unable to overcome their deficit.
“We gave up two separate 8-0 runs where we got relaxed in our effort and Chillicothe made us pay,” Coach Floyd said of the second half. “At some point, we have to learn that we can’t pick and choose when we want to play hard. If we are ever going to build a successful program, effort has to become a non-negotiable for each and every team member.”
Emma Floyd and Brynn Driver scored nine points apiece for Joplin.
Izzy Yust added six points, while Brooke Nice and Ella Hafer contributed five points apiece.
Jolie Bonderer led Chillicothe with 11 points and Lucy Reeter added nine.
After the Christmas break, Joplin (5-5) returns to action at Lee’s Summit on Jan. 4.
