By Don Eskins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Weaubleu Lady Tigers topped the Wheatland Lady Mules 49-39 on Saturday night, in Weaubleau, to grab this year’s 2018-19 Class 1 District 7 Championship.
The Tigers, who entered this year’s district tournament as the tournanment’s top seeded team, lived up expectations.
En route to Saturday night’s 49-39 victory over Wheatland the Lady Tigers downed Hermitage 64-15 in quarterfinal round action and Climax Springs 50-44 in the semifinals.
Weaubleau jumped out in front of the Lady Mules as play got underway Saturday night and held a 12-6 lead as first quarter play came to an end. But the Lady Mules held serve during second frame action outscoring Weaubleau 13-11 to trail the Tigers by just four at the half 23-19.
Makayla Hostettler, Danni Stewart and Jenna Daggett each scored six points for the Lady Tigers during first half play to keep Weaubleau out in front. Wheatland’s Kennedy Griffin, with 12 points, led the Lady Mule effort.
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Wheatland cut the Tigers’ lead to just three, 35-32, through three quarters of play setting up for a run at the district championship as the fourth and final quarter of play got underway.
But the Lady Tigers rallied in the fourth period to outscore the Mules 14-7. Their final period effort earned them a 49-39 victory over the Mules and a 2018-19 District 7 title.
Weaubleau got double digit scoring efforts from Makayla Hostettler (14), Danni Stewart (13) and Jenna Daggett (10). Other Tigers finding their way into the scorebook were Kari Reed (6), Liz Stewart (4) and Anna Ginnings (2).
Leading the way for the Lady Mules was Kennedy Griffin who lit up the nets for 20 points and Heavenly Lewton with 12. Also scoring were Taylor Hunt (8), Madi Sutt and Amaia Betolazo with five each.
The victory pushed Weaubleau’s record up to 22-5 on the year while Wheatland finished the year at 17-8.
Lady Tiger head coach Charley Dryer was more than happy to see his girls get the win.
“We knew Wheatland wouldn’t go down without a fight and they didn’t. They’ve got some great kids and they’re well coached,” said Dryer. “But our girls, who have really been through a lot this year, got it done tonight and they’re district champions.”
“Wheatland pushed us all night,” said senior forward Danni Stewart. “But we played well tonight and we were there for each other. I think that was the difference.”
For Wheatland it was a difficult end to a season.
“Our senior leader Madi Sutt got the flu a couple of days ago, and although she played tonight, she wasn’t able to play up to her capabilities. And then Samantha Schultz tweaked her knee in the first few minutes of the first quarter,” said head Lady Mule coach Jeremiah Bryan. “So not having the full services of two of our top players made it tough on our kids tonight. But I’m very proud of these girls, they still played Weaubleau tough. They’ve had a good season this year, now we start thinking about next year.”
As District 7 champions Weaubleau will now take on District 8 champion Leeton (23-2) at sectionals on Feb. 26.
