Top-seeded Panthers find no easy path to semifinals, survive push from Mustangs

December 6, 2022 | By Muddy River Sports

Monroe City’s Jaylyn Countryman (1) shoots over Marion County’s Caden Scotts (10) during the Panthers game against Mustangs in the opening round of the 98th Annual Monroe City basketball tournament. Mathew Kirby/herald Whig-Courier Post

Monroe City’s Jaylyn Countryman shoots over Marion County’s Caden Stotts during Tuesday night’s opening-round game of the 98th annual Monroe City Tournament in Monroe City, Mo. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

MONROE CITY, Mo. — Despite being limited to just four points in the third quarter Tuesday night, the Monroe City boys basketball team was able to fend off Marion County’s upset bid and advance to the semifinals of the 98th annual Monroe City Tournament.

The top-seeded Panthers secured a 51-45 victory over eighth-seeded Marion County as Reece Buhlig scored seven of his 16 points in the fourth quarter. Quincy Mayfield added nine points for the Panthers.

Marion County trailed by 13 points at halftime and 10 points at the end of the third quarter, but the Mustangs scored 17 points in the final frame to make it interesting. Joey Lagemann led the Mustangs with 13 points.

Noah Wilt scored 11 of his team-high 17 points in the second quarter as fourth-seeded South Shelby built a 17-point lead and rolled to a 74-58 victory over fifth-seeded Highland. CJ Eaton led the Cougars with 22 points

On the girls side of the bracket, second-seeded Palmyra rolled to a 75-25 victory over seventh-seeded Marion County. Clare Williams hit five 3-pointers and scored 23 points, 13 coming in the second quarter. Candra King added 13 points and Tatum White scored 11. Kennedy Hathaway led the Mustangs with nine points.

Third-seeded Highland built a 35-13 halftime lead against sixth-seeded Highland and cruised to a 59-25 victory. Ansley Bringer led the Cougars with 19 points, 13 coming in the second quarter.