It was a memorable victory for California Lady Pintos basketball on Friday when they hosted their senior night against the Blair Oaks Lady Falcons.
California was in a tie with Osage for the conference standings lead going into the game. With a win against their arch rival, California won their first Tri-County Conference title since 2018.
Lady Falcons guard Bayley Rackers came out firing with three three-pointers and 13 points in the first half. California got off to a slow start on offense, however, they managed to lead at the end of the first quarter 19-13.
With just over 30 seconds to go in the first half, California had a six-point lead. After Lady Pintos forward Tayte Higgins knocked down two free throws, Blair Oaks gave the ball back to California after a turnover with 11.8 seconds on the clock. The Lady Pintos were able to deliver a dagger when guard Kierstyn Lawson hit a three-pointer from the left corner at the buzzer. The five-point swing gave California a 33-22 lead at halftime.
During halftime, California took a moment to recognize former Lady Pintos basketball star Abby Spieler for receiving the Wynn Award from the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Spieler won the award for her contributions in advancing women's high school sports in Missouri.
Late in the third quarter, Blair Oaks forward Autumn Bax scored her 1,000th career point. Bax took over the game and scored 21 of the Blair Oaks' 25 points in the second half.
However, California's defense put a hold on the rest of the Lady Falcons. With guard Hailey Rademan scoring 13 of her 19 points in the second half, California pulled off a 59-47 win and claimed the Tri-County Conference title.
California shot 41 percent from the field (20-49), 41 percent from the three-point (9-22) line and 83 percent from the foul line (10-12).
Rademan had 19 points, two assists, two rebounds and a steal. Lawson had 18 points, five assists, three rebounds and a steal. Higgins had 14 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Blair Oaks shot 39 percent from the field (17-44), 33 percent from the three-point line (3-9) and 60 percent from the foul line (9-15).
Bax had a game-high 25 points with 11 rebounds, three blocks and an assist. Rackers had 15 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
California head coach Kevin Carr sensed his players were a little bit nervous going into Friday's game knowing the stakes. However, Carr was pleased with the way his team was able to calm their nerves and limit the Lady Falcons to only seven points from players other than Bax and Rackers.
"I think we had some nerves before the game because we knew that we had at least a share of the conference title tonight no matter what happened. But we didn't want to share the conference title. We just wanted to win it out right," Carr said. "What an awesome feeling. Not just for our players and coaching staff, but also for this community and school. It's been a while since it's happened. We've had probably one of the toughest schedules in the state this year. To be able to come out of that with more wins than losses is a great feeling. Now let's go see what we can do at districts."
California now looks to add a district championship to their trophy case this week at the Class 3 District 8 tournament in Cole Camp. They will play either Cole Camp in the semifinals on Wednesday.
(Democrat photo/Evan Holmes)
California recognized former Lady Pintos basketball star Abby Spieler during halftime on Friday after she won the Wynn Award from the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.
(Democrat photo/Evan Holmes)
Kierstyn Lawson hit four three-points against the Blair Oaks Lady Falcons on Friday. Lawson had 18 points, five assists, three rebounds and a steal in the game.
(Democrat photo/Evan Holmes)
Tayte Higgins put in a solid game with 14 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals against the Lady Falcons.
(Democrat photo/Evan Holmes)
Hailey Rademan scores a layup off of a steal by teammate Kierstyn Lawson. Rademan had a team-high 19 points on Friday night.