Willard Lady Tigers fall to Carthage, Republic

Tigers lose to Carthage, beat Republic in overtime on big night
 
The Willard High School boys’ and girls’ basketball teams both played Carthage and Republic last week, with the boys’ going 1-1, while the girls went 0-2.
Girls
The Lady Tigers traveled to Carthage on Thursday, Feb. 10 and came home with a 57-41 loss.
Carthage secured a 27-20 lead by the half. But in the third quarter, Willard outscored Carthage 12-9, winnowing the lead to 36-32 by the end of the quarter. But Carthage outscored Willard 21-9 in the final quarter to take the win.
“Unfortunately, the intensity and energy that we started our last game was the same tonight,” said head coach J. J. Adamson.
The Lady Tigers hosted Republic on Tuesday, Feb. 8, but fell to the visiting Lady Tigers, 80-64.
“I loved the intensity and energy that we started the game with tonight,” said Adamson. “Our kids came out and were in tune with each other, the ball was moving, and we were making shots.”
Willard is now 10-13 on the season and were scheduled to host Ozark last night and Joplin on Friday night.
Boys
On the boys’ side of things, Willard traveled to Carthage on Friday, Feb 11, and lost the game 57-52.
The Tigers hosted Republic on Tuesday, Feb. 8 and defeated Republic, in overtime, 64-60.
“It was a great high school basketball environment,” said head coach Jeremy Dresslaer. “With it being our conference rival and the addition of it being a super night with our girls, court warming, and youth night. Our boys played with a ton of maturity, buy-in and leadership. This senior group has never beaten Republic in high school, so it was a great way to go out on top on the rivalry matchup.”
Gavin Davis led Willard with 24 points and Haden Brown added 18 points in the win.
Willard is now 14-9 on the season and were scheduled to host Ozark last night and Joplin this Friday night.