Billington’s Big Second Half Helps Moberly Push Past Hannibal

Freshman Grace Billington scored 18 of her game-high 27 points in the second half as Moberly went on to roll past Hannibal 59-39 in the opening round of the Class 5 District 15 girls basketball tournament. Moberly held a slim 20-14 halftime advantage, but Billington and the Lady Spartan offense got rolling in the second half.

Colin Schowe with the call on KWIX and centralmoinfo.com. Billington went 8-9 at the free throw line as part of her 27 point performance. Moberly coach Tony Vestal says his star freshman continues to perform well each game.

Alaina Link added ten points for the Lady Spartans. Starters Sam Calvert and Kennedy Messer were forced to battle foul trouble for much of the game. Vestal said he was pleased with the way his reserves stepped up in the win.

Hannibal was led by Jade Thomas and Allie Hall with twelve points each. The Lady Pirates fell behind 13-4 after the first quarter, but battled back to cut the deficit down to two late in the second quarter before Moberly steadily increased the lead for the rest of the game. The Lady Pirates will graduate three seniors. Hannibal coach Evan Cerven reflected on his senior class.

Hannibal finishes the season with a record of 3-18. Moberly improves to 11-13 and will visit top-seeded Mexico on Monday in a district semi final game. Brad Boyer will have the call on KTCM 97.3 beginning with pregame coverage at 5:45 pm.

Moberly coach Tony Vestal

Hannibal coach Evan Cerven