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By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The sting of losing in the state title game might last a few days.
As Bradleyville’s Gracie Shipley pointed out, the pride of having your team photo on the school wall lasts much longer.
Mound City defeated Bradleyville 52-35 in Saturday’s Class 1 state championship game at JQH Arena in Springfield. Panthers senior Kameron Freemyer had her second double-double in as many days with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
Bradleyville was making its first state final four appearance in program history.
“This has been an amazing experience,” Shipley said. “We’re the first ones to do this. We’re going to be on the wall. Everyone’s going to know us, everyone in Bradleyville, generations. We’re going to be remembered. I’m not disappointed at all.”
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE GAME
A sluggish start doomed the Eagles (26-6 overall).
Mound City led by nine after the first quarter and 29-13 by halftime. Bradleyville shot 3-for-22 from the field in the first half.
“We did not get going in the first half,” said Eagles coach Autumn Thomas. “Shooting, once again, wasn’t very good. I do have to hand it to Mound City; they have a really good defense. But I think our shooting could’ve been a little better.”
Bradleyville got within 29-16 early in the third quarter, before Mound City responded with eight unanswered points. Bradleyville never got closer than 14 from there.
“We didn’t get what we wanted, but we all tried our hardest. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished,” said Bradleyville senior guard Kourtney Shipley, who finishes with over 2,100 career points.
Added Thomas: “There were a few tears shed after the game, but I told them in the locker room: ‘Look where we are and how far we’ve come. It’s fantastic. Be proud of being here and what we’ve accomplished this season.’”
Hannah Wedlock added 11 points for Mound City, which has now held its opponent under 40 points in nine straight games.
The Panthers also won the Class 1 state championship in 2016.
“I’m not going to say it’s more special to win it this year,” said Mound City coach Derek Petty. “But it was really unexpected, which maybe makes it more special.”
Bradleyville shot 10-for-41 from the field overall, including 4-for-14 on 3-point attempts. Mound City (29-3 overall) shot 22-for-46 and had a 30-10 edge in points in the paint.
Freemyer scored 14 of her game-high 17 points in the first half.
“This (championship) means everything to me,” said Freemyer, fighting off tears. “Basketball is, like, my favorite sport. It’s my whole life. To be able to be on a team with a great group of ladies like we have, it’s great. I’m definitely going to miss it a lot.”
Bradleyville graduates two seniors: Kourtney Shipley and Dorian Hayes.
“I’m thankful we got this far,” Hayes said. “Ever since Kourtney and I were freshmen, we’ve wanted this. Now that we’re finally here, words can’t explain how thankful and how grateful I am to be this far. I’ll remember this the rest of my life.”
