Wildcats finish season 18-8

By Coach Chris Harris

LICKING 64, HOUSTON 54

HOUSTON, Mo. – Our first-round district game was on Monday, February 24, versus Houston.

The Wildcats came out quick in the first quarter, taking a 16-10 lead into the second quarter. A quick burst from Houston gave the Tigers an 18-16 lead at the start of the second quarter, but after a quick timeout, the Wildcats went on a run, regaining the lead and never giving it back. Leading 31-27 at halftime, the Wildcats got a big third quarter from Roston Stockard who scored 12 in the quarter. In the fourth the Wildcats had their best scoring quarter of the game with 17, with 10 points coming from Benton Corley. In the end the Wildcats finished off the Tigers 64-54 and advanced to the next round of districts. Stockard finished with 28 points, Jordan Ritz added 14 points and 11 rebounds, and Corley added 10 points.

THAYER 57, LICKING 50

HOUSTON, Mo. – In the second round on Wednesday, the Wildcats faced off against the number one seeded, number four state-ranked Thayer Bobcats in a rematch from January.

The game started off slow with both teams playing hard defense. The scoring started with 3’s from Carter Sullins and Kannon Buckner. The score stayed close throughout the first half until late in the second quarter when Thayer forced a couple of turnovers that led to them extending their lead by ten. In the third quarter the Wildcats struggled to score as Thayer’s defense and size gave them some trouble. Thayer’s lead extended to 17 by the end of the quarter, but the Wildcats still had fight left in them as they came out in the fourth quarter scoring 22 points and cutting into the lead, getting as close as six points with a minute to go. In the end Thayer was able to hit some key free throws to secure the 57-50 win, ending the Wildcats’ season.

Stockard finished with 16 points and Corley added 13 points. The Wildcats finished the season 18-8 and 5-2 in the Frisco League.