Tiger Boys Fall Short in Wild Overtime Game

Worth County’s boys fell short in a wild overtime game, falling to Pattonsburg 85-79 last Monday.
It looked like a long game at first, as Carter Crone scored from inside, Zane Reed scored six points, and Patrick Cowley scored from inside as Pattonsburg opened the game on a 10-2 run. But then Alex Rinehart shot the Tigers back into the game, scoring 11 points in the final 4:12 as they fought back to trail 16-13 after one.

Grant Cameron got loose in transition and added a pair of free throws to put Worth County on top 17-16 at the 6:36 mark. Pattonsburg moved back in front 25-21 at the four minute mark of the second, but then Jaxon Anderson took a charge on defense, and that seemed to spark the Tigers for the remainder of the half. Alex Rinehart scored nine points in the final 2:06 of the half, while Aydan Gladstone added an inside shot as the Tigers regained the lead and went up 32-27 at the half.
Zane Reed got the hot hand again for Pattonsburg, scoring the first eight points of the third for the Panthers, and Carter Crone added a free throw to put his team up 36-32. But then Aydan Gladstone converted a three point play, and Alex Rinehart once again closed out the third strong, getting seven in the final 4:25 as the Tigers went back in front.

Jaxon Anderson put the Tigers in front by as much as 44-37 with 1:35 left in the third, but then Dylan McCrary hit a 3-pointer and Zane Reed hit two as the Panthers got it down to 48-46 early in the fourth and erased the lead by the 6:09 mark of the game behind a Cowley triple to go up 52-51.

Jackson Runde’s 3-pointer put the Tigers back in front 58-54, but then turnovers cost them as Pattonsburg stole the ball twice and moved back in front 59-58 after Carter Crone’s 3-point play.
Carter Crone scored off a drive with 1:51 left to make it 61-58, but then Grant Cameron tied it right back up again with a 3-pointer. But after Cowley hit two free throws with 1:24 left, Worth County couldn’t answer, and Cowley made it two possessions with two free throws with 41 seconds left, as Worth County was forced to foul.

But after Jackson Runde missed a 3-pointer, Jaxon Anderson stole the ensuing outlet pass with 17 seconds left and Anderson hit a 3-pointer on the left side off a pass from Alex Rinehart with 10.2 seconds left to make it 65-64.

Zane Reed only made one out of two to make it 66-64 to leave the barn door open, and Worth County took advantage. Jaxon Anderson drove the middle of the line and dished off to Jackson Smith after Pattonsburg helped out on defense. Smith’s five-footer was in and out, but Anderson got the putback at the buzzer to tie it at 66 and send it to overtime.

But this time, Zane Reed hit a 3-pointer, Worth County lost Cowley on defense, and Dakota Eaton hit two free throws to make it 73-66, and Pattonsburg was able to hit their free throws down the stretch the rest of the way.

Alex Rinehart did all he could for the Tigers, getting 34 points. Jaxon Anderson had 16, Aydan Gladstone 14, Grant Cameron 7, Jackson Runde 6, and Jackson Smith 2.

Alex Rinehart had 3 blocks and Jaxon Anderson had 1.

Jaxon Anderson had 11 boards. Aydan Gladstone had 7, Alex Rinehart 6, Jackson Runde and Grant Cameron 5, and Jackson Smith 1.

Aydan Gladstone had 9 assists. Jackson Runde had 8, Jaxon Anderson and Alex Rinehart 2, and Grant Cameron 1.

Aydan Gladstone, Grant Cameron, and Alex Rinehart had 4 tips. Jackson Runde had 3, and Jaxon Anderson had 2.

Aydan Gladstone had 5 steals. Alex Rinehart had 4, Jaxon Anderson 3, Jackson Runde 2, and Grant Cameron 1.

Tiger Girls Turn Back North Harrison on Senior Night 56-46

Worth County’s girls turned back North Harrison 56-46 Tuesday to win their Senior Night and weather a stretch of three games in four nights.

The Tigers took an early 5-0 lead as Regan Allee hit a 3-pointer from the left wing and Anna Gladstone scored off a drive as Kaylee McElvain supplied both of the assists.

But then, North Harrison started driving to the basket at will, as Emma Craig picked up eight points in the first period. Jayliegh Robins scored off a drive, and Emma posted up inside and finished and then got loose in transition to put the green shirts up 6-5.

Kaylee McElvain hit a 3-pointer from the top of the key off a kickout from Anna Gladstone and added a baseline shot to make it 10-6. But then Emma Craig scored off a drive and Jayliegh Robins got a putback that she converted into a three point play to make it 11-10.

Kristin New then picked up her third foul, and sat for the rest of the half. Jill Hardy scored in transition after Kaylee McElvain aired it out to her, but then Camden Castleberry hit a backdoor shot and Emma Craig got yet another drive to put the Shamrocks up 15-12. Worth County, which had been pretty good about not fouling since their loss to East Atchison, fell back into their habit of fouling, as the foul differential was 7-1 in North Harrison’s favor. The rebounding margin was lopsided in North Harrison’s favor as well.

Worth County switched to their 1-3-1 trapping zone, but at first, nothing worked as Emma Craig’s putback put the Shamrocks up 18-14 at the 4:25 mark. But then, Worth County began to find their footing as Anna Gladstone scored off a Merrideth Spiers steal, Jill Hardy added a free throw, and Regan Allee got a putback, cleaning up after her own miss to put the Tigers up 19-18.

Despite North Harrison entering the double bonus, Worth County went ahead 22-20 after Jill Hardy’s 3-pointer before North Harrison fought back to tie it at 22 and 24 at the half.

But then three factors swung the game back in Worth County’s favor. First, Kristin New came back and didn’t pick up another foul. The second factor was improved rebounding; the Tigers evened out the rebounding in the second half after having a big deficit in the first half. The third was the turnover battle; Worth County was able to force 21 turnovers while surrendering the ball only 12 times.

Regan Allee hit a 3-pointer off a pass from Megan Cassavaugh and Anna Gladstone got a steal in which she walked the tightrope down the right side and crossed over to the left to finish. North Harrison tried to make a stand, as Camden Castleberry and Emma Craig scored off drives to keep it close, down 31-28. But then Regan Allee hit a 3-pointer and Anna got a tip and steal, leaving one of the Shamrocks sprawled on the floor as she took it in to make it 36-28. All this happened in just a span of three minutes.

But just as it looked like Worth County might put together a 37 point third quarter like they did against Braymer last year, or a 35 point third quarter like they did against King City last year, Anna Gladstone picked up her third foul as she and Kami Gibson were scrambling for a loose ball. Kaylee McElvain then hit a 3-pointer to make it 39-28, but then Camden Castleberry answered right back to make it 39-31. From there on out, although Worth County was in control, North Harrison would always come up with a timely 3-pointer to keep things interesting.

Once again, Worth County threatened to pull away late in the third as Kristin New scored off a Regan Allee steal as Kristin got a tip; Regan added a 3-pointer from the right side off a pass from Merrideth Spiers to make it 47-33. But then Sara Clawson hit the first of her two 3-pointers to break the momentum.

Kristin New hit two free throws at the end of the third to put Worth County in front 49-36, but then North Harrison started getting to the rim as Emma Craig and Kami Gibson started getting on the line and getting free throws. The Tiger lead got down to ten at 53-43 at the five minute mark before Regan Allee hit a free throw and Kristin New added a putback to make it 56-43. Sara Clawson countered with a 3-pointer with 1:47 left, but then Worth County was able to run out the clock from there and North Harrison could not get any closer.

For Worth County, Regan Allee had 22, Anna Gladstone and Kaylee McElvain 10 each, Jill Hardy and Kristin New 6 each, and Merrideth Spiers 2.

Regan Allee had 7 boards. Kaylee McElvain had 5, Anna Gladstone 4, Merrideth Spiers 3, Jill Hardy and Kristin New 2, and Megan Cassavaugh 1.

Anna Gladstone and Kristin New had 5 assists. Megan Cassavaugh and Merrideth Spiers had 3, while Kaylee McElvain and Regan Allee had 2 each.

Anna Gladstone had 7 tips. Regan Allee had 4, Kristin New and Merrideth Spiers 3 each, Jill Hardy and Megan Cassavaugh 2, and Kaylee McElvain 1.

Anna Gladstone had 5 steals. Regan Allee had 4, Kaylee McElvain 3, Megan Cassavaugh, Jill Hardy, and Kristin New 2, and Merrideth Spiers 1.

For North Harrison, Emma Craig had 18, Jayliegh Robins and Camden Castleberry 7 each, Sara Clawson 6, and Kami Gibson and Rainey Fordyce 4 each.

Emma Craig had 11 boards to complete a double double. Kami Gibson had 4, Camden Castleberry, Jayliegh Robins, and Rainey Fordyce had 3, and Sara Clawson had 1.

Camden Castleberry had 4 assists. Kami Gibson and Jayliegh Robins had 3, Emma Craig 2, and Sara Clawson 1. Jayliegh Robins had 3 tips and Camden Castleberry had 2. Jayliegh Robins and Camden Castleberry had 2 steals each, while Sara Clawson, Rainey Fordyce, Emma Craig, and Kami Gibson all had 1.

Playing in their last home games as Tigers were Merrideth Spiers, Anna Gladstone, Regan Allee, Kristin New, and Kaylee McElvain. Jenna Smith, who was out with a shoulder injury, was also honored.

Tiger Girls Weather Frantic Rally to Clinch GRC West

Worth County’s girls built up a 35 point lead midway through the third quarter, then had to weather a frantic Pattonsburg rally to clinch the GRC West last Monday with a 73-62 win. Worth County had previously won the GRC Showcase Title the Saturday before over Milan, but their GRC West matchup against Pattonsburg had gone unplayed due to inclement weather. A win by Pattonsburg would have handed the GRC West title to Stanberry, since Worth County would have had two conference losses. As it played out, Worth County shared the title with Stanberry, since both finished with one conference loss.

 The game represented one of the highest point totals for the Tigers. They previously put up 76 points in a 76-56 win over Princeton back in 2017, when the current seniors were freshmen and made their first varsity debut, in the first game played in the renovated gym at Worth County. The Tigers subsequently scored 76 in Thursday’s 76-39 win over Maysville as well.

The two teams started out red hot, with Worth County holding a 7-6 lead over the Panthers at the 5:50 mark. But then Worth County started pulling away, as they scored the next 12 points. Regan Allee hit a 3-pointer off a pass from Megan Cassavaugh, Kaylee McElvain hit three free throws, Anna Gladstone added a steal and a drive, and Regan Allee scored off a drive to make it 19-6 at the 3:11 mark. The Tigers pulled away to a 27-13 lead after one.

Worth County continued to pull away in the second quarter as Anna Gladstone cleaned up off a miss in transition to start the period. Grace Warner countered with a free throw for the green shirts, but Anna got another putback, Kristin New scored two free throws, Regan Allee added a steal, and Anna Gladstone added a three point play to make it 38-14.

Warner and the Panthers made a stand for the next minute, but then Regan Allee hit a 3-pointer to spark a 9-0 run for the Tigers at the 2:54 mark. Anna Gladstone scored off a Regan Allee steal, Regan scored a drive down the left baseline, and Anna Gladstone scored off a drive with 1:34 left to make it 51-18. Pattonsburg scored the next four points before Regan Allee hit a free throw to make it 52-22 at the half.

The lead grew to as big as 35 twice in the third quarter as Regan Allee had the hot hand and Jill Hardy added five points. But Worth County started putting their subs in after the score got to 62-27; however, Pattonsburg was not ready to throw in the towel. All of a sudden, Jill Plymell, who had missed a ton of 3-point attempts during the first two and a half quarters, suddenly heated up and knocked off five 3-pointers in a span of just over four minutes during the latter part of the third quarter and the start of the fourth. When the dust was settled, the lead was down to 68-52 at the 4:47 mark of the fourth, and Worth County had to put their starters back in. The Panthers continued to make a charge, getting to the line at will in the latter stages before Worth County was finally able to run out the clock in the last two minutes to get the win.

Regan Allee had 26 points for Worth County. Anna Gladstone had 22, Kaylee McElvain 9, Jill Hardy 8, Merrideth Spiers 6, and Kristin New 2.

Regan Allee had 8 rebounds. Anna Gladstone had 7, EmiLee Brown 5, Jill Hardy and Kristin New 4, and Merrideth Spiers and Megan Cassavaugh 1 each.

Kristin New had 10 assists. Megan Cassavaugh had 5, Anna Gladstone and Regan Allee 3 each, Jill Hardy 2, and Kaylee McElvain and EmiLee Brown 1.

Kristin New had 7 tips. Regan Allee and Jill Hardy had 5, Anna Gladstone  and Megan Cassavaugh 3, and Kaylee McElvain 1.

Regan Allee had 5 steals. Anna Gladstone and Megan Cassavaugh had 4, while Kristin New, Jill Hardy, and Kaylee McElvain had 1.

Courthouse News for February 19th, 2020

On February 08, 2020 about 1:00 a.m. a Livingston County deputy was on U.S. 36 east of Chillicothe and saw a vehicle approaching him from behind at a very high rate of speed. The deputy checked this vehicle at 101 in a 65 mph area and had to take evasive action as the vehicle nearly struck his patrol vehicle as it passed the deputy. The vehicle was finally stopped west of Chillicothe near Coon Creek. Further investigation lead the deputy to believe the driver was allegedly driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol and was uncooperative, insulting, belligerent, and resisted arrest. The deputy informed the driver multiple times he was under arrest and the man initially started to get out of the vehicle when he was observed to look over at a deputy on the passenger side of the vehicle, show the deputy his middle finger and then attempt to place the key back into the ignition (concerned he was attempting to flee) still not following commands, so he was removed from the vehicle and continued resisting our deputy.

The suspect was soon handcuffed and placed in a secure area of the patrol vehicle. The arrested person was identified as Kyle Robert Hull, 29, Kansas City. Two deputies escorted the driver into the LCSO where he continued being uncooperative. The man was transported to the Daviess DeKalb Regional Jail where he was later charged in Associate Court with alleged DWI and Resisting Arrest. Mr. Hull has since posted bond and has a court date scheduled for March 11, 2020.

On February 11th, the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department got involved in their second high-speed chase in a week when they were dispatched to assist the Linn County authorities involving a reported dangerous felon wanted by Linn County and federal authorities. The chase involved the driver doing speeds of as much as 100 miles per hour on the wrong way of Route 36 and the wrong way and continued south onto 65 into Saline County. He was finally captured near Marshall. During the chase, he was observed to be throwing items out of the car, and meth was seen scattered on the driver’s seat. By the time he was caught, the driver had lost two tires from his vehicle. On February 13th, Linn County Prosecutor Shiante McMahon filed charges against Matthew Guilford (38) of Brookfield alleging Assault (Felony), Armed Criminal Action (Felony), two counts Resisting Arrest (Felony), and Possession of Controlled Substance.

On February 11th, Harrison County Prosecutor Jonathan Meyer filed charges against Naomi Christensen (52) of Coffey alleging Operating a Vehicle Owned by Another Without Insurance.

On February 11th, Harrison County Prosecutor Jonathan Meyer filed charges against Dalton Hobson (20) of Pattonsburg alleging No Insurance.

On February 12th, Harrison County Prosecutor Jonathan Meyer filed charges against Miranda Young (20) of Independence alleging No Insurance.

On the morning of February 12th, a Grant City resident reported that stray dogs had broken into his trash and strung it out all over his yard.

On February 12th, a Missouri Highway Patrol vehicle was assisting a motorist on the 100 mile marker of I-35 near Eagleville when it was struck by a tractor-trailer at around 11:23 that evening and left the scene. Anybody with information should call Troop H headquarters at (816) 387-2345.

On February 12th, DeKalb County Prosecutor Erik Tate filed charges against Debra England (39) of Maysville alleging Abuse or Neglect of a Child (Felony) and Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Felony). In a related case, DeKalb County Prosecutor Erik Tate filed charges against Katrina England (36) of Maysville alleging Abuse or Neglect of a Child (Felony) and Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Felony). KQ2 reports the charges occurred after they had allegedly locked a 9 year old with autism in a bunk bed cage. The Children’s Division was involved. During the investigation, deputies observed animal feces, urine stains, cigarette butts, cockroaches, piles of trash on the front porch, and no ceiling in the living room. The child was allegedly locked in their cage for as many as 12 hours at a time.

On February 12th, the Shenandoah Police arrested Nathan Rick Gordon (40) of Essex on a charge of Indecent Contact with a Child.

On February 12th, Harrison County Prosecutor Jonathan Meyer filed charges against Nykia Thigpen (25) of Indianapolis alleging No Valid License.

On February 12th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Robert Rice filed charges against Ryan Stark (30) of Mercer alleging No Insurance.

On February 12th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Robert Rice filed charges against Bryce Cozine (26) of Barnard alleging No Insurance.

On February 12th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Robert Rice filed charges against Shawnte Essary (21) of Papillion (NE) alleging Operating a Vehicle Owned by Another that was Not Insured.

On February 12th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Robert Rice filed charges against Eryn Kemper (19) of Barnard alleging No Insurance.

On February 13th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Robert Rice filed charges against John Fraley (40) of Lenox alleging No Valid License and Failure to Stop.

On February 13th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Robert Rice filed charges against Paula Gray (44) of Clarinda alleging No Insurance.

On February 13th, between 3:10 and 3:15 am, someone broke into a business in Red Oak (IA) and stole over $10,000 of Stihl chainsaws, leaf blowers, and a cutoff saw.

On February 13th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Rick McCord (62) of Albany alleging No Insurance.

On February 13th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Edward Young (27) of Kansas City in Nodaway County on charges of Driving While Suspended and Speeding.

On February 13, 2020, Deputies stopped a red Volkswagen Jetta in the 400 block of Main Street in Lenox for speeding. The driver was found to have a barred driver's license for being a habitual violator through the state of Iowa. During the traffic stop, K9 Ciba was deployed for an open air sniff on the vehicle and gave a positive indication to the odor of controlled substance. As a result, Randy Overholtzer, 50, of Lenox, was arrested and charged with driving while barred and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is being held at the Taylor County Sheriff's Office on $2,300 bond pending an initial appearance before the Magistrate.

On February 13th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Robert Rice filed charges against Bradford Boyer (21) of Kent (IA) alleging DWI, Minor Visibly Intoxicated, and Failure to Drive on Right Half.

On February 13th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Robert Rice filed charges against Lora Cox (62) of Maryville alleging No Valid License and Failure to Stop.

On February 14th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Robert Rice filed charges against Jerry Williams (31) of Brookshire (TX) alleging No Valid License and Failure to Display Lighted Lamps.

On February 14th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Robert Rice filed charges against Matthew Jerome (44) of Fort Collins (CO) alleging Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony) and Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Felony). Bond was set at $5,000 with defendant given leave to post 10% cash.

On February 14th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Robert Rice filed charges against Austin Jerome (21) of Fort Collins (CO) alleging Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony). Bond was set at $5,000 with defendant given leave to post 10% cash.

On February 14th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Will Force (28) of Parnell on Nodaway County Misdemeanor Warrants for Failure to Appear (No Seat Belt, Speeding).

On February 14th, Rich Elmer of Mt. Ayr reported that someone took a Mr. Heater Blk/Yellow kerosene heater with wheels on it from a farm in Middle Fork Township Section 27 in the last two weeks. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Office.

Robert Girard, 39, of Creston, was taken into custody on an active Taylor County probation violation warrant on February 15, 2020. Girard additionally has active warrants out of Adams and Madison Counties. He is currently being held at the Taylor County Sheriff's Office on $1,000 cash or surety bond. When he is able to post bond he will be transferred to the other counties.

On the afternoon of February 16th, KQ2 reports that a vehicle crashed into a building during a police chase at Debbie’s Closet Appliances and Furniture. Two people were inside the vehicle. One was seriously injured and taken to the hospital.

On February 16th, a high-speed police chase started in Livingston County, continued through Clinton County, and went through Lathrop and Plattsburg. The car in question went over 100 miles per hour going south in the northbound lane of I-35. At one point, the vehicle went 150 miles per hour on I-35 and 120 miles per hour on Highway 116 as it passed cars on hills and curves.

On February 17th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Michael Troutwine (65) of Sheridan alleging Possession of Meth (Felony), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Driving While Suspended.

Charges listed are mere allegations. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Obituary -- Anna (Cottrell) Gervais 1952-2020

Anna Louise (Cottrell) Gervais, age 68, Phoenix, Arizona, formerly of Grant City, Missouri, went to be with the Lord, Saturday, February 8, 2020.

She was the born February 5, 1952, the daughter of the late William W. and Arlene Cottrell of Grant City, Missouri.

Anna was a graduate Worth County R-3 High School, Grant City, Class of 1970.

In 1975, Anna received a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, Missouri.

While attending Northwest, Anna met the love of her life Jerry Gervais.  Jerry and Anna were married in 1976 in Maryville and had 44 wonderful years together.  Anna and Jerry had three boys, Doug, Adam and Trevor.

Anna and her family moved to Phoenix, Arizona because of health issues.  Anna retired from teaching after twenty-five years.

Family meant the world to Anna.  She enjoyed raising their three boys, helping them with Cub Scouts and religion classes.  She also enjoyed socializing with all her friends and neighbors.  It was with them that she learned the art of card making for all occasions.

Anna was also a very active member in her church, Good Shepherd Catholic Church, New River, Arizona.

Those preceding her in death were, her son Trevor Gervais (2019) and her parents Bill and Arlene Cottrell.

Survivors include: her husband Jerry Gervais, of the home, two sons, Doug (Chenel) Gervais, Tennessee, Adam (Amanda) Gervais, Washington, five grandchildren, Adam, Alisha, Aiden, Nate and Ara, sister Ruth Gray, Maryville, Missouri, brothers Bill Cottrell, Jr., Memphis, Missouri, Andy (Dianna) Cottrell, Grant City, Missouri, Ed (Cindy) Cottrell, Sioux City, Iowa, her aunts and uncles,Wilma Jenkins and Joan Hardy, both of St. Joseph, Missouri, Jack and Jean Cottrell, Grant City, Missouri, Helen Laval, Kansas City, Missouri, Joyce Harlen, Cleveland, Ohio and many great nieces and nephews.

Per Anna’s request her body has been cremated.  A memorial mass followed by inurnment will be at 10:00 AM, Saturday, March 14, 2020 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Palmyra, Missouri. 

Obituary -- Bessie Smith 1935-2020

Bessie Mae Smith, 85, of Pickering, Missouri passed away Thursday, February 13, 2020 at Nodaway Nursing Home.

Bessie was born on February 12, 1935 in Bedford, Iowa to Henry and Della (Rusco) McNeese. She was a housemother at Perrin Hall at Northwest Missouri State University for 17 years.

She married Robert E. Smith on September 13, 1950 in New Market, Iowa. He survives of the home. Additional survivors include two sons, Walter D. (Nancy) Smith, Maryville, Missouri and Michael J. (Christy) Smith, Edmond, Oklahoma; three grandchildren, Tiffany Smith, Tim Smith and Abby (Jake) Minyen; one great-grandchild, Kelly Smith and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Leroy, Leonard and John McNeese and two sisters, Geraldine Salanski and Goldie Wray.

Mrs. Smith has been cremated under the care of Price Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at a later date. www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com.

Tiger Girls Recover from Slow Start to Beat Mustangs; Pull Away for 55-36 Win

Worth County’s girls got off to a slow start, but then recovered to get a 55-36 win over North Nodaway Thursday. It turned out to be the perfect tuneup for the Milan game, as everything else had been called off.

For North Nodaway, Jacquelyn Cline and Saylor Brown had the hot hand early as they raced out to an early 9-2 lead. Cline got loose in transition and got a pass from Karissa Oberhauser, added a 3-pointer from the left wing, and Saylor got loose in transition after a Jadon Dobbins steal as the Mustangs broke a 2-2 tie.

Megan Cassavaugh hit back to back threes for Worth County, and just like that, they were right back in the game down 9-8. Jacquelyn Cline countered with a 3-pointer to put the Mustangs back in front 12-8 after one.

But just like that, Worth County turned to its 1-3-1 trapping defense, and a totally different ballgame ensued. Jill Hardy got a free throw, and then Jenna Smith got a tip and Jill pushed ahead to Anna for the finish. Kaylee McElvain got a high-low pass into Anna to put the Tigers in front, Anna got behind the defense after a Regan Allee steal, Anna got a steal of her own, Regan Allee got a drive, and Kristin New added yet another steal for the Tigers. When the dust had settled, they had held North Nodaway scoreless and had erased their early deficit to take a 21-12 lead at the half. North Nodaway got some good looks at the basket, but nothing fell in that period.

But unlike their 59-31 loss to Platte Valley, in which North Nodaway had continued to fade after a similar collapse in the second quarter, they recovered to make a game out of it for a while. Anna Gladstone’s putback made it double digits at 23-12, but then Saylor Brown cleaned up after a steal and Jadon Dobbins added a 3-pointer after a pass from Karissa Oberhauser to put them right back in it, down 23-17.

Anna Gladstone picked up her third foul, and the Mustangs kept coming again as Jadon Dobbins answered a Kristin New tally with a free throw and Ellaina Renfro got a putback to make it five at 25-20. Despite Anna being on the bench with foul trouble, Worth County restored order for the time being as Kristin New scored off a drive and Jill Hardy hit a 3-pointer to make it 32-22 before Kelsi Barcus hit from the left side to make it 32-24 going into the fourth.

But with North Nodaway threatening to duplicate East Atchison’s lead by erasing a Tiger lead in the fourth quarter, Regan Allee carried the team on her shoulders for Worth County, getting the first eight points of the fourth, driving and getting to the free throw line at will. The Tigers bent, but didn’t break against North Nodaway’s charges as they got it down to seven twice, but no closer. Finally, Anna Gladstone scored from inside off a pass from Kristin New and finished after an Allee steal after Anna got a tip to put Worth County up 44-33.

The teams traded blows over the next minute, but then Kaylee McElvain and Anna Gladstone scored off drives, Anna scored off a Kristin New steal, and Regan Allee scored off an Anna Gladstone steal as Worth County finished the game with an 8-0 run.

For Worth County, Anna Gladstone had 18 points. Regan Allee had 16, Megan Cassavaugh and Kristin New 6, Kaylee McElvain 5, and Jill Hardy 4.

Kaylee McElvain had 8 boards. Anna Gladstone and Merrideth Spiers had 7, Regan Allee and Megan Cassavaugh 3, Jenna Smith and Kristin New 2, and Jill Hardy 1.

Kristin New had 7 assists. Jenna Smith and Regan Allee had 4 each, Anna Gladstone and Megan Cassavaugh 2 each, and Jill Hardy, Kaylee McElvain, and Merrideth Spiers 1 each.

Kristin New had 10 tips. Anna Gladstone had 9, Kaylee McElvain 5, Regan Allee and Jenna Smith 2, and Jill Hardy and Merrideth Spiers 1.

Kristin New, Regan Allee, and Anna Gladstone had 4 steals. Kaylee McElvain had 3, while Megan Cassavaugh and Jill Hardy had 2.

For North Nodaway, Jacquelyn Cline had 11. Jadon Dobbins had 8, Saylor Brown 7, Kandace Damgar 5, Ellaina Renfro and Kelsi Barcus 2, and Karissa Oberhauser 1.

Karissa Oberhauser had 8 boards. Saylor Brown and Kandace Damgar had 6, Jacquelyn Cline 4, and Ellaina Renfro and Jadon Dobbins had 3.

Kandace Damgar had 4 assists. Jadon Dobbins had 3, Karissa Oberhauser and Saylor Brown had 2, and Jacquelyn Cline had 1.

Kandace Damgar had 5 tips. Jadon Dobbins and Saylor Brown had 1.

Saylor Brown had 3 steals. Jacquelyn Cline and Jadon Dobbins had 2, while Kandace Damgar and Karissa Oberhauser had 1.