BY JARED PORTER

It was evident early that Jaydee Duda would be a problem for the Tigers.

The Webb City junior scored 10 points in the first four minutes and ended up totaling 26 points in just three quarters of play as the Cardinals cruised to a lopsidedvictory over Carthage in their regular-season

finale at the Cardinal Dome.

"We feel like we played well the past couple of games with a win over Neosho and a tough loss to a tough Republic team," Webb City coach Lance Robbins said.

"So we really wanted to build on the way we've been playing and hopefully get some momentum going into district. It was Senior Night, and I thought our girls came out and played with a lot of energy early."

Duda's layup at the end of the first quarter gave the Cardinals a 19-9 advantage. Their lead grew to 42-15 after Duda closed the first half with her own 6-0 run to give her 24 points for the half.

"She's been doing a fantastic job of attacking the basket," Robbins said. "Early in the season, she was settling for a lot of jumpers. We've been telling her the last couple of weeks to just keep attacking the basket because that's where we feel she's at her best. She can not only create offense for herself when she does that but also other people when defenders help."

Webb City took a 31-point lead into the final quarter to force a running clock for the final eight minutes.

Webb City seniors Keira Jackson, Darcy Darnell and Kajah Jackson finished with eight, six and four points, respectively.

"I thought our seniors did a terrific job tonight, and they've done it all year long by their leadership and just playing hard," Robbins said. "They helped set the tone for us early and kept that going throughout the course of the game. It was a fun atmosphere tonight, and I know it was a special one for this group of seniors."

Karlee Kinder led the Carthage scoring with eight points, while Katie Crowe, Lauren Wilson and Kianna Yates chipped in six points apiece.

Joplin Globe 02/26/2020 (Used by permission)