Purdy girls take third

The Purdy Lady Eagles swept past Waynesville 70-50 on Thursday to claim the third place trophy at the Neosho Holiday Classic. Fair Grove defeated Bentonville (Ark.) 43-40 to win the tournament title.

Purdy blitzed Waynesville with a 26-9 opening quarter and never looked back as Grant Young's team improved to 11-2 on the season. According to Coach Young, four Purdy starters scored in double figures against Waynesville: Audrey Patton with 21, Addy Roller with 18, Brooke Swadley with 12 and Shelby White with 10.

Only a last-second 45-41 loss to Bentonville in Wednesday's semifinal kept Purdy, the smallest school in the classic, from a shot at the Neosho title.

Earlier in the day, the Cassville Ladycats lost to McDonald County in the seventh place contest, 45-33.

Lady Eagles capture third place trophy Photo by Linda Patton The Purdy Lady Eagles pose with their third place trophy from the Neosho Holiday Tournament. In the front row, from left, are: Rachel Neill, Addy Roller, Brooke Swadley, Shelby Scott, Shelby White and Kristyn Cornman. Back row: Brittany Mareth, Audrey Patton, Taylor Moller, Bailey Spears, Mattie White and Chelsea Mareth. The Lady Eagles are coached by Grant Young.