NEOSHO, Mo. -- The Lady Cardinals Basketball team wrapped up their final game of the calendar year with a 2nd place finish in the Neosho Holiday Classic. Sophomore guard Abby Sargent and sophomore forward Addie Burns earned All-Tournament Team honors as well.
The team fell to Lafayette 47-38, dropping to a 5-4 overall record.
Memphis Middle College vs. Webb City Quarterfinal Recap (12/26/24)
The Lady Cardinals kicked off their tournament run with a dominant start with a 51-38 win against the Memphis Middle College Lady Bulldogs. The team was the only girl's team at the local level to advance in the tournament.
From the very beginning, the Cardinals were in control. In the first quarter, Addie Burns used her reach to steal the ball and convert it into an easy two points with a quick layup. But she wasn't done. Just moments later, Burns drained a three-pointer, giving Webb City an explosive start to the game.
The Cardinals kept the momentum going with some impressive team plays. Abby Sargent set up Whitlee Keith, who hit a three-pointer from the corner to stretch Webb City's lead. By the end of the first quarter, the Lady Cardinals led by 13 points.
Although the Bulldogs managed to chip away at the lead, Webb City kept their foot on the gas. Abby Sargent showed some toughness, fighting through contact to steal the ball and convert another layup in transition. The Lady Cardinals continued to control the game, never letting the Bulldogs catch up.
The Cardinals defeated Memphis Middle College to set up a semifinal matchup vs. the Whitehaven Lady Tigers.
Whitehaven vs. Webb City Semifinal Recap (12/27/24)
It was the same story in the semifinal match vs. Whitehaven: a fast start. Webb City defeated Whitehaven 53-36, securing their spot in the tournament championship game.
Whitehaven took an early lead in the game, but the momentum quickly shifted after two technical fouls were called on the Tigers. This opened the door for the Lady Cardinals to gain momentum.
Addie Burns set up Jenna Schulz, who finished with an easy two points. Shortly after, Whitlee Keith made a play in transition, sidestepping a defender and sinking a three-pointer. This sparked a huge turnaround for Webb City, as they outscored Whitehaven 16-3 in the first quarter. By the end of the period, the Lady Cardinals had a 22-9 lead.
Webb City kept control in the second quarter. Brecklynn Sargent snagged the ball from Whitehaven and drove to the basket just as time ran out, extending Webb City's lead to 13 points at halftime.
In the second half, Whitehaven attempted a comeback, but a mishandled dribble led to a turnover, and the Lady Cardinals capitalized. Abby Sargent kept the ball in play, and Kirra Long finished the play with a two-point long-range jumper in transition.
Webb City was just one win away from securing a championship win. This time, the matchup was played against a team a little closer to home.
Lafayette (St. Joseph) vs. Webb City Championship Recap (12/28/24)
The Webb City Lady Cardinals fought hard, but came up short in the championship game of the Neosho Holiday Classic, losing 47-38 to the Lafayette Fighting Irish. Despite a strong effort, the Lady Cardinals finished in second place in the tournament.
The game got off to a rough start for the Lady Cardinals. Lafayette took advantage early, with Rozlynn McDevitt stealing the ball and finishing a fast-break layup to give the Fighting Irish a 6-point lead.
After a slow start, Webb City began to find their groove. Kirra Long made a key steal, and Jenna Schulz capitalized on the possession with a quick basket, cutting into Lafayette's lead.
A few possessions later, Whitlee Keith pushed the pace on a fast break, scoring a layup and drawing a foul for the chance at a three-point play. Webb City had closed the gap, but Lafayette held a one-point lead at halftime.
In the second half, Lafayette's defense picked up, and The Lady Cardinals struggled to keep up. Tinsley Davison stole the ball and had a clear path to the basket for an easy layup, giving the Fighting Irish a stronger lead.
By the fourth quarter, Lafayette had pulled away, taking an 11-point lead.
The Lady Cardinals weren't ready to give up, and Abby Sargent set up Addie Burns for a big three-pointer, cutting Lafayette's lead to just five points. However, despite the late push, Webb City couldn't get any closer, and Lafayette held on for a 47-38 victory.
Webb City now looks ahead to a cross-border matchup vs. The Pittsburg Purple Dragons. Tip-off is Friday, January 3rd at 6:00 PM.