By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The happy-to-be-here feeling is gone.
This year, the Carl Junction girls’ basketball team is at the final four expecting to win.
They took the first step Friday afternoon at JQH Arena in Springfield with a convincing 54-41 victory over Miller Career Academy in the Class 4 Show-Me Showdown semifinals.
A year ago, CJHS made its first final four appearance in program history. The Bulldogs finished fourth.
“I think everyone was a lot more relaxed (this year),” said Bulldogs senior Megan Scott. “We knew what we were doing and we were more prepared to play than last year. Last year, I felt like we were a little satisfied with just being at state. This year, we came to win.”
Carl Junction sophomore Katie Scott had a game-high 27 points and seven rebounds on 8-for-10 shooting. She scored 17 in the second half.
Miller Career Academy didn’t have a player reach double figures.
Carl Junction faces the winner of Kearney-Incarnate Word Academy at 6:20 p.m. Saturday at JQH Arena in the Class 4 title game.
No Carl Junction team has ever won a state championship.
“We’re not going to be satisfied with getting second (place),” Katie Scott said. “We’re going to give everything we have tomorrow, because this is Megan (Scott) and Kate (Dreiling)’s last game and we’re going to play for them.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE GAME
“We’re going to play for ourselves and all those fans out in the crowd who love us so much and they’re so dedicated to us.”
The Bulldogs led from start to finish against MCA. Carl Junction took a 12-point lead into halftime after shooting 10-for-16 from the field in the first half.
“We have that slow tempo, it’s a possession-type game. I felt like we were playing intense, but controlled the tempo pretty much the entire game,” said Bulldogs coach Brad Shorter. “Our kids did an exceptional job of not getting in a hurry. I’m very proud of how well we played.”
Carl Junction answered every potential MCA threat in the second half. After leading by 17 late in the third quarter, the Bulldogs saw their lead cut to just 10 after Mauricea Mathis’ jumper with 5:18 remaining.
The Phoenix never got within single digits. Katie Scott scored eight of her 27 points in the fourth quarter.
The Bulldogs shot 18-for-31 from the field overall, compared to MCA’s 14-for-42 output.
“Not matter what you tell your kids, the first time they’re at a final four – and coaching staff, too – it’s such a big stage,” Shorter said. “The nerves and everything… It’s tough. I feel like the experience of being here last year was huge for us.”
The size mismatch was evident.
Carl Junction won the rebounding battle (28-22) and had a decisive edge in free throws – the Bulldogs were 17-for-27 at the line and the faster but smaller Phoenix finished 9-for-14.
“(Carl Junction’s) size was my biggest concern,” said Phoenix coach Darrin White. “They were big and strong. We haven’t seen a duo like that, or a team that big, this year.”
Katie Scott was the best player on the floor despite a severe case of pregame nerves.
“Before the game, I was very nervous,” Katie Scott said. “Being a sophomore is tough and being a starting sophomore is even worse because you feel like you can’t let down your upperclassmen.
“All of my teammates kept encouraging me, telling me I just need to play how I play. Honestly, I couldn’t’ do it without them because they boost my confidence so much.”
The 6’1” Katie Scott became Carl Junction’s de facto point guard this season after a season-ending injury to sophomore Dani Wrensch.
“It’s been a tough role and she’s done an exceptional job,” Shorter said. “And, big sister (Megan) is here. You don’t want to let big sister down.”
CJ shot 63 percent (10-for-16) from the field in the first half. MCA went 5-for-18.
Ajanae Garrett led the Phoenix with nine points.
Carl Junction 54, Miller Career Academy 41
Miller Career Academy 6 9 10 16 — 41
Carl Junction 16 11 14 13 — 54
MCA – Ajanae Garrett 9, Chaadah Hughes 8, Mauricea Mathis 7, Zyiah Hodges 6, Breyanna Hughes 3, Daisha Seltzer 3, Antuanae Garrett 3, Jayrissa Grayson 2
CJ – Katie Scott 27, Megan Scott 9, Shila Winder 7, Taylor Hughes 5, Kenzee Shanks 5, Brett Chappel 1
