The Thayer girls basketball team is a district champion for the first time since 2020 after beating Licking 43-36 on Saturday in Cabool.
The two teams were tied at 9-9 after one quarter. Thayer’s defense was stout in the second quarter holding Licking to just a single three-point make to build a 17-12 lead into the half. Licking battled back in the third quarter with a 16-12 advantage cut Thayer’s lead to one a 29-28 with eight minutes left in the game.
In the fourth quarter, Thayer, led by Kadyn Hilles, outscored Licking 14-8. Hilles had eight of Thayer’s points in the quarter on her way to 12 points for the game. Ryleigh Davis led Thayer and all scorers with 14 points. Abby Bowers also had 12 points.
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Licking was paced by Allie Hock with 13 points followed by Hadlee Davis with 10.
Thayer travels to face two-time defending state champion Fair Grove on Tuesday in the sectional round.
Licking – 9-3-16-8 – 36
Thayer – 9-8-12-14 — 43
L: Allie Hock 13, Hadlee Davis 10, Zoey Dawson 7, Linzie Wallace 3, Kinley Keaton 3
T: Ryleigh Davis 14, Abby Bowers 12, Kadyn Hilles 12, Riley Pierce 3, Ally Kerley 2
