Marshfield Repeats at Pink & White (Rebroadcast Available)

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The Lady Jays trademark defense paid off in a big way in the finals of the 35^th Annual Pink & White Basketball Tournament at McDonald Arena in Springfield New Year’s Eve.

The Lady Jays improved to 13-0 on the season, defending their Pink & White title with a thrilling 56-49 overtime win over arch-rival Republic High School.

Marshfield allowed just one field goal in the first period to set the tone, jumping on top 10-4. Republic, now 11-2 on the season, managed just 4 field goals in the first half, falling behind 20-12 by the break.

Marshfield got quick field goals from senior Lacey Boshe to start the second half, building a double-digit lead.

But the Lady Tigers fought back, closing to within a possession of the lead before Marshfield freshman Amanda Gourley hit a pair of treys to stem the tied, and help the Lady Jays hold a 36-30 lead entering the final period.

Republic rallied behind Kayla Arnold, who finished with a game-high 13 rebounds in the game despite her relatively small 5-6 stature. The Lady Tigers tied the game at 45-45 after regulation.

Marshfield got a big trey from senior Jaysa Hartman, and a key basket from Morgan Smith, pulling out the win with consistent, outstanding half court man-to-man pressure defense.

Senior post players Lacey Boshe and Sara Jane Plemmons were named to the all-tournament team for the Lady Jays.

Lacey Boshe led Marshfield’s scoring with 15 points in the game, hitting 7-of-11 field goals with 9 rebounds and 4 assists in the game.

Plemmons added 6 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal to the winning attack, and the pair combined for a crucial fast break basket during the end of the game.

Smith was outstanding for the Lady Jays, scoring 12 points with 7 rebounds, 2 blocked shots, 2 assists and a steal in the title game.

Freshman guard Amanda Gourley hit a pair of momentum changing treys for Marshfield, scoring 7 points with a rebound and an assist in the contest.

Fellow freshman guard Alley Bruton added 2 points, a steal, an assist and a rebound to the winning attack.

Yet a third freshman guard, Kayla Baldwin, finished with 2 points and 3 rebounds for Marshfield.

Senior Jaysa Hartman finished with 5 points, all in the overtime, with an assist and a steal for the winners, and her trey may have been the difference in the game.

Junior Anna Glenn was a force for the Lady Jays, scoring 5 points with 8 rebounds, 4 assists and a steal in the game.

Ashley Boshe added 2 points and a rebound to the winning attack.

As was the case throughout the tournament, the entire Marshfield team was a big part of the win with their outstanding pressure defense, including Kassie Hyde, and Haley Diehl, who did not score in the finals, but helped with a defensive effort which was noteworthy. Marshfield allowed a good shooting Republic team (which tied the tournament record with 10 treys in the semifinal game) to make just 16-of-53 shots in the finals, including just 2-of-15 3-pointers.

Kara Blankenship led the Lady Tigers scoring with 15 points, and Arnold finished with 6 points and 13 rebounds. Kayna Daniel posted a double-double for Republic with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Marshfield swings back into action at home Thursday, hosting Morrisville. The Lady Jays will then play Jan. 7 against Pleasant Hope.

But southwest Missouri basketball fans are already looking forward to Jan. 10 when the Lady Jays host top ranked Bolivar.

Click on pics below to enlarge.