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By Justin Sampson (Ozarks Sports Zone)
FAIR GROVE, Mo. — January 20 may not seem that long ago, but think about the one before that.
As in January 20, 2016: the last time Strafford tasted defeat.
Playing in their fifth straight district title game, the Lady Indians got 48 combined points from Abby Oliver and Hayley Frank to top Clever 69-41 at Fair Grove High School on Friday.
Strafford ran the seventh longest winning streak in state history to 45 games as they captured their second straight Class 3, District 11 Championship.
“We really have a feel for these big games now,” said Frank. “You walk into every game with confidence.”
Three-point shooting was an early friend to Clever (21-6), who had won eight of their last night games coming into Friday. The teams traded buckets for the bulk of the first quarter as Allie Clevenger led the Lady Jays with 14 points.
Strafford locked down on defense late in the frame and kept Clever off the scoreboard for over four minutes. The Lady Indiansjumped up 36-21 at halftime and kept a double-digit lead for the rest of the night.
“They did a good job slowing us down early. Once we were able to speed things up it made a difference,” head coach Steve Frank said.
Hayley Frank led the Lady Indians with 28 points while pestering Clever in the paint. The sophomore pointed out the deep run she and her fellow underclassmen experienced last year as a boost to their poise this time of year.
“A team can key on me or Abby, but we’re too good all the way down the line,” she said. “People are going to step up and knock down shots.”
“We know from here on out it’s up to us. We can’t have a letdown, “she said. “If we go out and play our game, good things will happen.”
Zoey Mullings also finished in double digits with 10 points. Hannah Maples added 11 for Clever.
Strafford (28-0) has outscored opponent by 38 points during their march back to sectionals. Steve Frank said the players continue to make his job easy.
“It’s nice when you can go out and just work on the little things and they’ll try to do it to the best of their abilities,” he said. “That’s what this group is all about. They are never satisfied with where they are.”
“They’re in it for one common goal and they go out and work every night for that goal.”
The Lady Indians will face the winner of the Class 3, District 12 Championship Game between Mount Vernon and Lamar in sectionals on Wednesday at Willard.
Strafford 69, Clever 41
Clever — 15 6 15 5
Strafford — 21 15 19 14
Strafford Scoring: Hayley Frank – 28, Abby Oliver – 20, Zoey Mullings – 10, Kayley Frank – 8, Kyndall Compton – 3
Clever Scoring: Allie Clevenger – 14, Hannah Maples – 11, Harper Little – 8, Abi Menzies – 6, Tessa Newman – 2
