MCDONALD COUNTY GIRLS 54, JOPLIN 49
ANDERSON, Mo. — Joplin took a five-point lead into the final eight minutes of action before McDonald County rallied down the stretch to earn the win in the regular season finale for both teams on Tuesday.
The Eagles led 44-39 heading into the fourth quarter before the Mustangs outscored their opponents 15-5 in the fourth quarter to earn the win.
Riley Kelly led Joplin with 16 points, while Bailey Ledford added 12 points. Alissa Owens scored nine.
Carlie Martin scored 14 points for McDonald County, while Carlee Cooper finished right behind with 13. Roslynn Huston scored 10.
Joplin closes the season at 4-22 and heads into the Class 6 District 5 Tournament as the eighth seed and will take on top-seeded Republic at 4 p.m. on March 2 at Nixa High School
McDonald County closes the season with a 13-13 record and is the sixth seed in the Class 5 District 7 tournament, taking on third-seeded Bolivar at 6:30 p.m. on March 2 inside the Cardinal Dome at Webb City High School.
THOMAS JEFFERSON GIRLS 67, MCAULEY CATHOLIC 47
LIBERAL, Mo. — Thomas Jefferson opened Class 1 District 6 play with a convincing win over McAuley Catholic on Tuesday.
The third-seeded Cavaliers (14-10) and sixth-seeded Warriors (9-18) were all tied up after the first quarter before Thomas Jefferson took a 28-23 lead into the intermission. The Cavaliers took a double-digit lead into the final period and pulled away down the stretch.
The Warriors advance to play second-seeded Liberal at 7 p.m. on Thursday in the district semifinals.
Gabbi Hiebert finished with 24 points, while Lannag Grigg finished with 19 for Thomas Jefferson. Sarah Mueller added 13, with Nico Carlson adding six.
Kloee Williamson led McAuley with 20 points, while Brooke Righter finished with eight points. Avery Gardner finished with seven.
PURDY, PIERCE CITY EARN WINS AT CLASS 2 DISTRICT 12 TOURNEY
In girls games played at College Heights’ athletic complex, fifth-seeded Purdy beat fourth-seeded Wheaton 37-31 and third-seeded Pierce City rolled past sixth-seeded Verona 61-17 at the Class 2 District 12 tournament.
No. 1 seed College Heights meets Purdy at 6 on Thursday night in the district semifinals. No. 2 Jasper plays Pierce City at 7:30 in the other semifinal.
