Wildcats go two for three on the week

By Coach Chris Harris

LICKING 74, ST. JAMES 66

LICKING, Mo. – The Wildcats hosted the St. James Tigers in a 4-game night on Monday, February 3.

In the varsity game the Wildcats came out on top in overtime 74-66. This was a back-and-forth physical game. Kannon Buckner started the game off hot, hitting three 3’s. The Wildcats were up at the half, but a big third quarter from the Tigers had them leading by 3 at the end of that quarter. With a couple of defensive stops late in the fourth quarter and some big baskets, the ’Cats tied it up, and with 10 seconds to go, got a shot off but didn’t get the game winner to fall. In overtime the ’Cats turned up the defensive pressure and made 7 of 8 free throws to secure the win.

Roston Stockard led the team with 23 points, Benton Corley had 12, and Karson Walker and Jordan Ritz had 11 each.

The JV played a tough, close game in the rematch from Saturday’s fifth place game in the JV tournament, but came up a little short 49-51.

Jason Ingram had 19 in the loss.

DIXON 64, LICKING 40

DIXON, Mo. – On Friday, the Wildcats traveled to Dixon in a Frisco League matchup.

In the varsity game, the Wildcats struggled in the first half to score, and Dixon’s hot shooting didn’t help, as they had a 26-point halftime lead. The Wildcats continued to play hard but could not get back into the game. The final was 40-64.

Stockard led the team with 11 and Walker added 9.

In the JV game the young ’Cats struggled to make the open shots but played tough. Dixon had a hot third quarter shooting the ball and stretched their lead to 18. We continued to battle but were unable to mount a comeback, falling 33-50.

Logan Buckner led the team with 15 points.

LICKING 72, ALTON 53

MTN. VIEW, Mo. – On Saturday the varsity traveled to Mtn. View-Liberty for their shootout to face Alton. The varsity came out hot and never looked back. Stockard’s 23-point first half helped give the ’Cats a 12-point lead. In the second half, there was more of the same as we continued to build our lead to 22 by the end of the third. In the fourth quarter, the ’Cats took care of business, winning 72-53.

Stockard led the team with 32 points and Buckner added 11.