January 2023

For the second consecutive year, Cassville met Gentry (Ark.) in the title game at the Southwest Holiday Tournament, and for the second consecutive time, the Lady Wildcats hoisted the second-place trophy. The Lady Pioneers put the game out of reach early, sinking 12 total 3-pointers in the first half and another 4 in the second to defeat Cassville, 65-20.

Full-court pressure and steals early, sustained momentum boosts from a large crowd and a final rally in the last half of the fourth quarter spelled one result for the Southwest boys basketball team — Holiday Tournament champions. The Trojans overcame Diamond in the title match, 78-54, led by MVP Lucas Paulsen and surrounded with story lines and history that will leave their marks on the proud program.