NIXA, Mo. — A 17-point first quarter deficit proved too much for the Lady Tigers in a 64-40 loss to Kickapoo in the Class 6 District 5 matchup.
“Kickapoo came out and hit shots early and often in the first quarter,” said Carthage Coach Scott Moore. “Unfortunately, we did not. When we missed, they turned it into a track meet and we couldn’t get back quickly enough to stop them.”
“I thought we settled in and played much better the final three quarters, but it’s hard to overcome a 17-point first quarter deficit to a good team like Kickapoo,” added Moore. “They have the history, talent and self-confidence that we want our program to develop into. They’ve been the gold standard in our district the past decade. We need to get better in the off-season to get to their level.”
Carthage Seniors Landry Cochran and Kianna Yates saw the court for the last time as members of the Lady Tiger basketball team.
“I’m really proud of our two seniors. They have been leaders on the court, in the classroom and in the community for four years,” Moore said. “They are very beloved within our program and their legacy will last a long time in Carthage. They will be greatly missed by their teammates, their coaches and the Lady Tigers fans.”
Lauren Choate led the Tigers in scoring with 13 points followed by Yates with 10 points. Jaidyn Brunnert and Lexa Youngblood added five points apiece. Cochran chipped in with four points followed by Kenzie Cupell with two points, and Kassidy Howard added one point.
Carthage finished with a 12-15 overall record.
