The Cassville boys basketball team (4-13) has only seven games left before Class 4, District 12 action in Monett, and four of the seven games have Big 8 implications. The Wildcats are two weeks removed from a fifth-place finish at the 40th Annual Spokane Invitational, falling 59-52 to Strafford in the opening round, but rebounding with wins over Southwest and Ash Grove to take fifth. Last week, the Wildcats dropped a pair of Big 8 bouts to Lamar, 90-77, and Seneca, 72-61. The Wildcats hosted Monett on Tuesday, and Big 8 opponents East Newton, Mt. Vernon, Nevada and McDonald County still await as the season wraps up.

Southwest girls extend streak to 7

The Southwest girls basketball team (12-6) is on a seven-game run, most recently earning road wins over Billings, 49-23, and East Newton, 51-49. Southwest played Wheaton on Tuesday, with the result not available at presstime, and has five games remaining: at Crane on Thursday, then at home against Galena, Blue Eye and Sarcoxie before ending the season on the road at Purdy on Feb. 20.

Eagles continue roller coaster season

The Purdy boys basketball team (12-8) is headed toward an above-.500 record this season, but it has not been without its ups and downs. The Eagles are 3-3 in their last six, most recently defeating Sarcoxie, 72-46, and Verona, 66-29, then falling in overtime to Crane, 77-68. Purdy hosted Southwest on Tuesday, with the result unavailable at presstime. The Eagles host Sheldon Thursday and end the season with two road games, at Blue Eye on Friday and at Galena on Feb. 18.

Lady Tigers play in tourney this week

The Exeter girls basketball team (6-11) plays in the 42nd Annual Mercy/Warrior Classic in Joplin this week, playing Thomas Jefferson on Tuesday, with the result not available at presstime, and facing Lighthouse on Friday. The Lady Tigers then embark on a four-game road swing against Hurley, Thomas Jefferson, Verona and Wheaton before ending the regular season at home against Northeast Vernon County on Feb. 20.

Trojans 3-4 in last seven games

The Southwest boys basketball team (6-13), has won three of its last seven games and have just five games left before district action begins. The Trojans logged wins over Sarcoxie, 58-42, and Verona, 64-39, before dropping three consecutive to Miller, 69-54, Forsyth, 102-40, and Cassville, 70-68. The Trojans then earned a win over Spokane, 59-36, in the 7th place game at the 40th Annual Spokane Invitational. Southwest fell to Lighthouse at home, 84-66, on Jan. 28, and the Trojans traveled to Purdy on Tuesday, with results not available at presstime. The Trojans next host Galena and Blue Eye, then travel to McAuley and host Cassville before ending the regular season on the road at Wheaton on Feb. 20.

Bulldogs hope to snap streak

The Wheaton boys basketball team (1-18) is looking to snap a ongoing streak of losses, 10 straight, with three upcoming home contests. The Bulldogs hosted Blue Eye on Tuesday, with the result not available at presstime. Wheaton also hosts Gloria Deo Academy on Friday and Verona on Feb. 11 before hitting the road to face Golden City, then hosting Exeter and Southwest to end the regular season.

Tigers prepping for road swing

The Exeter boys basketball team (1-14) is heading on a long road swing as the Class 2, District 10 Tournament approaches. The Tigers are playing in Joplin in the 42nd Annual Mercy/Warrior Classic this week, then they have four straight away games at Hurley, Thomas Jefferson, Verona and Wheaton. Exeter’s season comes to a close at home against Pierce City on Feb. 21.

Lady Bulldogs end regular season

Feb. 18

The Wheaton girls basketball team 3-13, has only four games left before postseason action begins. Going 1-4 in their last five, the Lady Bulldogs traveled to Southwest on Tuesday, with the result not available at presstime. Wheaton travels to Hurley on Thursday and hosts Verona on Feb. 11. The season’s final two contests are on the road at Miller on Feb. 14 and st home against Exeter on Feb. 18.

Lady Eagles to play 6 more after tournament

The Purdy girls basketball team (2-9) plays in the 42nd Annual Mercy/ Warrior Classic this week, then has six more contests before taking on district play. After this week’s tournament, the Lady Eagles host School of the Ozarks, travel to Blue Eye, host Exeter, visit Galena and host Southwest to finish the regular season Feb. 20.