From staff reports

sports@joplinglobe.com

Top-seeded McAuley Catholic took control in the second half for a 49-38 victory over College Heights Christian School on Thursday night in the semifinals of the Liberty Bank Lady Cavalier Basketball Classic at Thomas Jefferson.

The Warriors advance to face second-seeded Southwest, a 55-35 winner over Jasper, in the championship game at 5:30 p.m. Saturday. College Heights and Jasper will decide third place on Saturday at 4.

Jae Stephens netted 16 points to pace McAuley, which outscored CHC 14-8 in the third quarter to snap a 20-20 halftime deadlock. Sonya Kilongkilong and Arielle Santillan added 13 and 12 points, respectively, for the Warriors.

Rachel Brehm, Kelsi Bodine and Kristen Ward scored nine points apiece for the Cougars.

Kelsey Henry scored 14 points and Kirstie Ickes had 10 for Southwest, which led 33-15 at halftime. Candice Talbot scored nine points for Jasper.

Consolation bracket games tonight pit Sarcoxie vs. Lockwood at 6 and Thomas Jefferson vs. Diamond at 7:30.

Cavaliers reach final

PIERCE CITY, Mo. — Alex Oserowsky poured in 27 points as third-seeded Thomas Jefferson knocked off No. 2 Pierce City 64-52 in a semifinal game of the Pierce City Tournament.

Taylor Barton and Jordan Stauffer added 16 points apiece for the Cavaliers. Stauffer also grabbed 14 rebounds and blocked five shots, and Oserowsky had 11 rebounds.

Thomas Jefferson will play East Newton in the championship game at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

Carthage Tournament

CARTHAGE, Mo. — Carthage defeated Nevada 51-39 and Neosho outgunned Monett 72-60 in consolation bracket games in the Carthage Boys Tournament.

Semifinal games are set for tonight: top-seeded Aurora vs. No. 4 Seneca at 6 and No. 2 McDonald County vs. No. 3 Joplin at 7:30.