Lady Bears stumble against Liberty Eagles, 39-43

The Willow Springs girls’ basketball team jumped to an early lead against neighboring Liberty-Mountain View last Monday, January 13, but could not hold on for another three quarters to win. At the end of the first quarter, the Lady Bears were ahead 10-5.

 

The Lady Bears struggled to control the balanced offensive attack of the Mountain view girls who put up 16 points in the second quarter. At halftime the Lady Bears trailed 19-21.

 

Willow Springs was troubled by turnovers and held to just six points in the 3rd quarter and fell behind 25-32.

 

Despite Willow Springs’ elite shooter Chloe Jones making eight of nine free throw shots in the 4th quarter, the Lady Bears came up short, 39-43.

 

“We fought hard, but the shots just didn’t go our way at the end,” said Willow Springs head basketball coach David Cox.

 

The Willow girls are down to 10 total players on the team and had to withdraw from the Licking JV tournament. According to Missouri State High School Athletic Association rules, players can only play in six quarters of basketball a night. Consequently, junior varsity games will only play two quarters of basketball the rest of the season.

 

Willow Springs was led in scoring by Chloe Jones with 27 points on the night. Alexis Sigman chipped in with 5 points, Sydney Stuart hit a 3-pointer, and Makenzie Collins and Sophie Jackson each had 2 points. 

Liberty was led by their dynamic point guard Hadley Chowning with 20 points, Ella Phipps put in 13, Addyson Rutledge had two 3-pointers for 6 points, and Jayli Tharp and Delani Ellett each had 2 points. Liberty finished the week with another win over Ava and advanced to a season record of 7-5.

 

Willow Springs lost to Thayer on January 16 and are now 9-5 on the season. The Lady Bears host Bakersfield at home, January 20.