Thayer used a dominant second half to pull away for a 78-55 win over Steelville in the Class 3 state sectional round on Monday in Lebanon.
The Bobcats built up a modest 16-13 lead after one quarter before extending it to 10 at 36-26 at the half. Out of the half, Thayer exploded for 26 points to take a commanding 62-41 into the final eight minutes.
Aidan Burns led Thayer and all scorers with 21 points. Easton Pitts and Rowan Spencer were just behind him with 19 points each.
Landon Mabe led Steelville with 19 points. Teammate Johnny Brice had 18 points in the loss.
Thayer (24-4) will face Sparta (24-5) in the Class 3 state quarterfinal round at 8 pm on Friday at Warrensburg.
Steelville – 13-13-15-14 — 55
Thayer – 16-20-26-16 — 78
S: Landon Mabe 19, Johnny Brice 18, Wyatt Harris 7, Conner Diaz 5, Carson Mullen 4, Gage Harris 2
T: Aidan Burns 21, Easton Pitts 19, Rowan Spencer 19, Devin Harrington 8, Brandon Prince 8, Mark Spencer 3
