From staff reports
sports@joplinglobe.com
HUME, Mo. — Thomas Jefferson’s boys held on to nip Rich Hill 54-52 in the championship game of the MSHSAA Class 1 District 7 Tournament on Saturday night.
Lockwood beat Rich Hill 55-47 for the girls title.
Thomas Jefferson (19-7), which led 31-18 at the half, sank just 5-of-17 free throws in the fourth period to help Rich Hill nearly pull out the victory.
Thomas Jefferson and Lockwood will play at 6 p.m. and 7:45, respectively, at Clinton in the sectional round on Tuesday night.
Lockwood, which led 25-19 at intermission, was led in scoring by Bekah Ogden (19), Rochelle Wallen (19) and Sophie Whitesell (11).
Thomas Jefferson received 21 points and 10 rebounds from Alex Oserowsky; 17 points, 18 boards and two blocked shots from Jordan Stauffer and 11 points from Taylor Barton.
“It was a good, tough win,” Thomas Jefferson coach Cleo Elbert said. “They (Rich Hill) were physical. It was a battle. They kept coming after us. Our kids played with a lot of heart and hung on.”
The Cavaliers sank just 3-of-11 from the foul line in the fourth period and were outscored 23-16.
Rich Hill had seven seniors, Elbert noted, and the past two seasons was district champions in Class 2.
Rich Hill received 22 points from Rusty Thomas and 17 from Tyler Ryser.
