Top-seeded Highland pulls away in second half to eliminate Monroe City, reach Class 3 district final

LEWISTOWN, Mo. — The Highland girls basketball team’s fourth meeting of the season against Monroe City ended just like the first three.

With a victory.

Highland awakened in the second half Thursday night to eventually pull away from Monroe City 40-25 in the semifinals of the Class 3 District 6 tournament at Highland High School, played in front of a turnout of about 730. 

Highland, the tournament’s No. 1 seed, owned an 11-8 lead at halftime following a first half during which No. 4 seed Monroe City remained comfortable milking the clock with a deliberate offense. In addition, both clubs tossed up more than their fair share of clunkers and air balls while combining for more turnovers (14) than successful field goals (7).

“In the second half, we were able to push the ball up the floor better, and our shots started to fall,” Highland coach Ashton Jaco said. “We just weren’t able to put the ball in the basket in the first half.”

Jaco also noted the intangible of playing an opponent for the fourth time in the same season.

“It’s tough to beat any team, especially a good team like Monroe City, four times,” she said.

Addy Abell, Highland’s versatile junior point guard who led all scorers with 22 points, agreed with her coach.

“I felt like we played together much better in the second half,” said Abell, who scored 11 of her points in the fourth quarter. “Our defense also made a bigger difference in the second half. It’s tough to beat another team four times, especially a team like Monroe City, which is such a good defensive team.”

Highland (24-3), having won three straight and 12 of its last 13, advances to Saturday’s 2 p.m. district championship game against South Shelby (24-3). Highland defeated South Shelby 38-35 on Jan. 31 to end a six-game losing streak to the Cardinals.

Highland began pulling away from Monroe City (17-9) as the third quarter progressed, outscoring the Panthers 19-10 to forge a 30-18 lead going into the final eight minutes.

Keera Rothweiler, a 5-8 sophomore, scored 10 of Highland’s points in the third period. She ended as Highland’s other double-figure scorer with 12 points. Abell and Rothweiler combined for all but six of the Cougars’ 40 points. Abell and Rothweiler also led Highland rebounding, each snaring six boards.

Cahlin Chapman was Monroe City’s top scorer, getting all 10 of her points in the second half. Teammate Audri Youngblood (7) was the game’s leading rebounder. Monroe City’s Naaron Hays, who poured through 23 points in a 37-34 victory over Macon earlier in the week, was limited to four points.

“It felt like we were always playing uphill,” Monroe City coach Adam Rung said. “The whole game felt like an uphill battle.”

Highland flexed its advantage in and around the basket much more after halftime. Rung felt the Cougars’ physical style in and around the basket finally paid dividends down the stretch.

“(Highland) got to the paint a little more in the third quarter, and when you get the ball inside, good things happen,” Rung said.