By Stephen Buus (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The El Dorado Springs Lady Bulldogs, ranked No. 1 in the state in Class 3, advanced as expected to the Class 3 District 13 championship Saturday following a 69-20 routing of Cedar County rival Stockton in Butler.
Many times the two archrivals have had memorably close battles, but El Do put those thoughts aside early on this night, jumping out to a 21-5 lead after one quarter and never looking back. If the Bulldogs had any sense of nervousness going in, it was quickly quelled.
“A big competition’s always a little nerve-wracking but we were all pretty confident going into it,” El Do sophomore Gracie Mead said of her teammates.
The Bulldogs used their pressure defense to force multiple Tiger turnovers, cashing in numerous times on the offensive end and preventing Stockton from getting rebounds.
“Our stamina is pretty good,” Mead said. “We’ve worked hard all season to stay strong throughout the game.”
Junior Macie Mays outscored Stockton by herself, notching 26 points and 6 steals. Senior Reese Schaaf added 13. Lady Tiger junior Kylie Hunter led her team with 6 points on a pair of treys.
El Dorado, who reached the Class 4 quarterfinals a year ago, advances to the Class 3 sectional round Wednesday at Lee’s Summit North, where District 14 champion Lone Jack awaits.
“We’ve had to work hard for it,” Mead said. “I’m excited to see where it takes us.”
Stockton 5 7 3 5—20
El Dorado 21 21 21 6—69
Stockton: Kylie Hunter 6, Ellie Flora 4, Abby Flora 4, Summer Kenney 3, Kara Hedrick 3.
El Dorado: Macie Mays 26, Reese Schaaf 13, Tenlie Steward 6, Tevi Gurley 6, Neely Schaaf 6, Morgan Mitchell 4, Alexis Collins 2, Abi Schmitt 2, Gracie Mead 2, Wriley Taylor 2.
