BY JASON PEAKE

Holding a team without a field goal in an entire half isn't easy.

In fact, it's quite rare at the prep level.

But the Webb City girls basketball team pulled off the feat on Tuesday night.

Led by an aggressive pressure defense and fired up on Senior Night, Webb City limited Neosho to just three free throws after intermission en route to a resounding 67-19 Central Ozark Conference victory inside the Cardinal Dome.

"I thought our defensive intensity was great," Webb City coach Lance Robbins said. "It all starts with our seniors (Ali Vanzant, Madeline Hayes and Abby Brownfield). It was Senior Night, and it was a special night for them. They are three special kids, on and off the court, and they got us started on the defensive end."

Already up 17 points at halftime, Webb City used a 25-3 third quarter to blow the game open. Struggling against Webb City's pressure defense, Neosho made three free throws in the third period and did not score in the fourth quarter, which featured a running clock.

"We challenged our girls at halftime because we felt like we'd given up too many points in the paint in the first half," Robbins said. "We challenged them to guard better, and I thought they accepted that challenge and did a great job in the second half."

Keira Jackson led Webb City with 13 points, while Hayes and Brownfield added 11 points apiece and Jaydee Duda had 10. The Cardinals (10-12, 3-4 COC) snapped a three-game skid.

"We were consistent for four quarters tonight, and hopefully that's something we can build on," Robbins said.

Back in action after missing several games because of a concussion, Madi Flynn scored six points to lead Neosho (6-16, 0-7 COC).

Hoops from Raven Vaughn and Darcy Darnell gave the Cardinals a 17-9 advantage at the end of the first period, and a bucket from Vanzant pushed Webb City's lead to double digits early in the second quarter.

The Wildcats stayed within striking distance after a pair of hoops from Flynn and a 3-pointer from Olivia Hixson, but Webb City's Duda scored five straight points and Brownfield'sturnaround in the lane gave the hosts a comfortable 33-16 halftime lead.

The second half was one to forget for the Wildcats, who were outscored 34-3 after the break.

"Coach Robbins had a good game plan," Neosho coach Matt Hixson said. "We'd seen them play man and a 2-3 (zone), and tonight, they came out in a 1-3-1. It was tough to get shots to fall for us tonight, and Webb City did a good job on their side."

Both teams return to action on Thursday, as Neosho hosts Nixa and Webb City hosts Republic.

Joplin Globe 02/13/2019 (Used by permission)