Wildcats earn big conference win at Lamar

The Cassville Wildcats nailed down their first Big 8 Conference victory of the season with a 68-33 win at Lamar on Friday night. The 'Cats dominated Lamar with a smothering defense and enjoyed one of their best shooting nights of the year.

"Our guys are shooting it with a lot of confidence," said Cassville's Trenton Dickinson. "We shot the ball well."

Cassville's gunners hit nine of 21 shots from beyond the arc, outscored Lamar's bench 19-9, and owned a 19-11 rebounding edge. Ten different Wildcats scored in a total team effort.

The Wildcats stormed out of the gate, taking an 18-6 lead in the first period. Lamar countered with a flurry of offense in the second frame, but Cassville still outscored the Tigers 16-14 in the quarter and owned a 34-20 halftime lead.

In the third quarter, Cassville took control.

"We played very well defensively in the third quarter," said Dickinson.

The Wildcats held Lamar scoreless for a five-minute span in the third. While Lamar struggled to earn 6 points, Cassville torched the nets for 24 and held a 58-27 lead at the final break.

The running clock shortened scoring opportunities in the fourth period, but the Wildcats stretched the lead by two more baskets in taking the 68-33 win.

"It was good to get our first conference win," said Dickinson. "We are going to improve everyday and get ready for the Spokane Tournament this week."

Cassville scorers: Axl Larson, 14; Josh Lewright, 13; Ricky Nichols, 8; Chris Smith, 8; Evan Stubblefield, 6; Joel Maher, 6; Jordan Bailey, 5; Trey Rose, 4; Cole Beagle, 2; and John Cavness, 2.