Cabool, MO. – The Willow Springs Lady Bears faced off against the Sparta Trojans thie evening in a State Sectional game.
The game started slowly, with several fouls taking place in the first few minutes, and few points to either team. The Sparta teem were able to display a more than par defense, denying the Lady Bears chances to score. Still, despite their strong defense, their offense didn’t allow them to capitalize on their momentum, meaning both teams scored low. Sparta led Willow Springs as the first quarter ended, 10 to 6.
The second quarter continued at a relatively slow pace as far as scores were concerned, but the Lady Bears were able to turn the game around, even managing to gain a one-point-lead. Still, Sparta was able to gain their lead with a few great shots towards the end of the second quarter, quickly causing a gap to form. As the half-time fell, Sparta managed to stand above Willow Springs with a lead of 21 to 15.
Sparta maintained their lead through the third quarter, managing to keep ahead of the Lady Bears, keeping a 5 to 10 point lead. Defense for the Sparta Trojans maintained itself, denying many scores for the Willow team, keeping the game overall themed towards strong defense. With constant preventions to score for the Willow team, morale appeared to drop as the gap increased between the two teams. 39 to 26.
Willow went into the fianl quarter struggling to keep up in the game, but managed to stick it out, and even close the gap. The 13-point lead that the Trojans held was reduced to only 3 as the end approached, less than three minutes left. Sidney Stewart managed to tie the game with two minutes remaining. With that, Willow was now facing victory being a real possibility. A couple of free-throw shots even led to Willow taking the lead, now 46 to 44. The Lady Bears came back with an incredible comeback win, which will lead them to the State Quarter Finals game in Nixa.
