SENECA, Mo. — Joplin’s fourth quarter rally fell short, as McDonald County held on late for a 36-35 win over the Eagles on Monday night at the Seneca Tournament.
The Mustangs led 12-8 at the end of the first quarter and 23-14 at halftime.
Joplin limited the Mustangs to three points in the third period, but the Eagles still trailed 26-19 entering the fourth quarter.
Joplin outscored Mac County 16-10 in the fourth period, but the Mustangs held on for the close win.
“The girls played very hard, but I did a poor job of putting us into position to win,” Joplin coach Luke Floyd said. “I had a poor game plan coming into the game, which resulted in us having to play catch-up the rest of the game. Unfortunately, the girls were not able to overcome my poor coaching.”
Brooke Nice led Joplin with 12 points, while Emma Floyd scored eight and Brynn Driver added six.
Megan Elwood and Carlee Cooper scored eight points apiece for McDonald County.
Joplin returns to Seneca on Thursday, where the Eagles play Aurora.
In other action on Monday at the event, Seneca defeated Purdy 55-46.
Aliya Grotjohn scored 33 points to lead the Indians, who led 33-11 at intermission.
Seneca plays Monett at 7:30 on Thursday.
MOUNT VERNON 67, ROGERSVILLE 33
Lacy Stokes scored 26 points and Ellie Johnston added 20 points for the Mountaineers.
Johnston buried four 3-pointers, while Stokes hit two. Johnston surpassed 1,000 career points.
Cameryn Cassity added 10 points with two treys and Lisa Krueger scored nine points.
Rogersville’s Gracie Kibby had 14 points and Lauren Williams added 13.
Mount Vernon blew the game open with a 29-4 second quarter.
Congratulations @EllieMJohnston on joining the 1000 point club tonight! Very proud of you! We will honor her at our home game on 2/4/21! #BleedGreen pic.twitter.com/KcUQLXhvZw
— Grant Berendt (@MtneerGBB) February 2, 2021
