By Tyler F. Thompson (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
MARSHFIELD — The Marshfield Lady Jays (25-4) entered Monday’s Class 5 District 6 title game as the top seed after authoring a 22-4 regular-season record.
The Lady Jays defended that top seed using strong perimeter shooting and a stifiling defense to beat Branson 53-37. Marshfield forced 15 turnovers in the win.
“For these four seniors especially, their goal coming in was to get this program was back to where it was,” said head coach Katie Pritchard. “To get back to that championship-level basketball. This was their goal from day one. It makes my heart so happy for them.”
Those four seniors include Lauren Luebbert, Abby McBride, Lillie Findlay and Halle Menzies.
The Jays were on a tear from the onset, running and gunning when not shutting down Branson’s attack. The Pirates were held to eight points in the opening quarter and 11 in the second.
Playing into the hands of Luebbert of company.
The Marshfield attack took advantage of the turnovers and second-chance opportunities throughout the championship tilt.
Pritchard said the collective tempo was vital to the win.
“We all get along well. We all share the ball really well. We have people on the floor at all times who can hit the 3,” said Pritchard. “They all have confidence in each other. They encourage each other to take those shots.”
Creating the first-half separation fell into the Jays’ game plan, which also made it easier on the defense.
For Branson, though, it was pouring fuel on an already lit fire.
“Our kids love playing defense,” added Pritchard. “The thing that makes it special, they all work together. They are five people doing one thing, one heartbeat. It just makes it fun. They take pride in it.”
Pounding the post or hitting from the outside, the Jays had one of those “in the zone” nights, as 18 points fell from the outside during the first 16 minutes of play.
The team was led by Luebbert and McBride — who combined for 28 total points which was 53 % of the Jays’ offense.
Luebbert, a Washburn commit, used her prototypical energetic self to keep her team pumped — at times slamming into her counterparts after a strong possession.
“We came into the game wanting to play our pace,” said Luebbert. “We don’t ever want to play the other team’s pace, fast or slow. We just know what we need to play our game and I think that is exactly what we did.”
Tunnel vision this season has been paramount to the success, especially given the bullseye that resides on their backs.
Added Pritchard: “We talked all year about embracing it. Embracing the role we have. Embracing the people who want to beat us. Coming out with that confidence, knowing that if we stick together and do what we do, we will win these games.”
The Lady Jays now prepare for Helias Catholic at the Class 5 quarterfinals, which is set for Friday at 6 p.m. at Marshfield.
