By Mark Schremmer
Globe Sports Writer
Joplin Eagles girls basketball coach Dustin Larsen knew exactly where to direct the blame for his team’s 47-29 loss to Marshfield on Thursday night at the 16th annual Freeman-Lady Eagle Classic at Missouri Southern State University.
And that would be rebounding. Or a lack thereof, rather.
“They (Marshfield) had 16 offensive rebounds,” Larsen said. “You take away the offensive rebounds, and it definitely changes the game. I’m not for sure, but I’m thinking at least 16 to 20 points came off those rebounds. The first shot isn’t what kills you. It’s those second and third opportunities.”
Joplin’s initial defense wasn’t the issue. The Eagles held Marshfield to 22 points in the first half, but the offensive rebounds eventually took a toll.
The scrappy Jays squad boxed out well and seemingly got to nearly every loose ball.
Joplin (1-2) pulled within 22-16 on a driving bucket by Samantha Stout early in the third quarter. However, Marshfield responded with an 8-0 run capped by a 3-pointer from Makenna Smith to take a 30-16 lead with 4:18 left in the third.
The Jays had a diverse offensive attack with eight players scoring. Smith led Marshfield with 12 points. Allison Van Diggellen, Madison Clark and Samantha French scored eight points each.
Junior post Danielle Hollingshead led the Eagles with 10 points.
Joplin will face Neosho at 5:30 tonight in the loser’s bracket. Marshfield will play Har-Ber at 8:30 in the tournament semifinals.
“We’re just in the early stages of building this program,” Larsen said. “We just need to take this one possession at a time and one game at a time.”
