By Tyler F. Thompson (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
BOLIVAR, Mo. — One year ago, the Strafford Indians (24-4) were left pondering.
Pondering what could have been if not for the Bolivar Liberators (16-11), who bested the Indians 73-67 in overtime for a shot at the district title game.
Fast forward one year and it was the Indians who remained the last one standing in Class 4 District 10, as they defeated the host Liberators 57-52 Friday evening in Polk County.
Senior Cody Voysey led all scoring with his 27-point outburst — including 21 in the final 16 minutes of action.
“I know, me, I have been thinking about it since last year,” Voysey said. “I have had it on my mind for a while now. It is funny — they bounced us in the semifinals — [so] we felt even more fired [up] to come out here and prove ourselves. We have been working all year to show people what we are capable of.”
The Indians, this time, fought to play another day.
After taking nearly the first eight minutes to net their first points, down 10-0, the Indians proved the ‘tale of two halves’ theory, as they trailed 14-4 after one quarter and 28-18 at half.
The second half was a completely different narrative.
“They do not give up. They have been … a lot of these players have played for me since they were sophomores,” Strafford head coach Tyler Ryerson said. “We had some bumps and bruises along they, but they don’t give up.”
“They kept fighting. Most of these guys are multiple-sport athletes,” Ryerson said. “All of these guys are going to college to play something other than basketball. For them to come together like this, it is pretty impressive.”
Down 41-39 as the fourth commenced, Voysey opened up from the wing as he nailed the 3-pointer.
Bolivar’s Brody Ingold retaliated with one, extending the lead to 44-39 with 6:42 remaining.
An Indians turnover led to a corner 3 by Ingold.
Again, the Indians dug deep.
Down 47-39 and senior Brady Ripp committing his fourth foul, it seemed the night may in fact go to the Liberators.
The Indians, though, didn’t receive the memo.
Voysey scored via dribble penetration — a common theme throughout the night.
Jourdyn Edelstein connected for the jumper and Tyler Hunt scored on the layup, and the Indians were down 47-45.
Voysey missed his 3 but scored on a long outlet just a second later.
After Bolivar’s Gardner Casey pulled up from the wing, giving the home team the 52-48 lead with 2:57 to go, the Indians dug in even deeper.
Ripp scored on the putback, and the defense forced a vital turnover.
“We just challenged our kids to stay in front,” Ryerson said of the late defense. “We have guarded really well all season long, and it was to challenge them. Bolivar is such a tough cover. They have four guards who all can get to the rim.”
Voysey drilled a pair from the charity stripe and the Indians were in business, as the game was tied at 52.
Another Bolivar turnover played into the Indians’ hands as Colton Willis found the net from downtown, as the Indians led 55-52 and never looked back.
The Indians now prepare for Father Tolton Regional Catholic (Columbia), whom they meet at the Class 4 sectionals at 6 p.m. Monday in Columbia.
Scoring for Strafford: Cody Voysey – 27; Brady Ripp – 18; Colton Willis – 6; Tyler Hunt – 2; Jourdyn Edelstein – 4.
Scoring for Bolivar: Colton Ingold – 12; Brody Ingold – 11; Gardner Casey – 9; Matthew Giglio – 9; Canyon Adams – 3; Wyatt Campbell – 8.
