Lady Spartans Capture Class 4 District 8 Title

Steven Findley Jr. with the final call on 97.3 Glory and centralomoinfo.com between Centralia and Moberly as the Lady Spartans won 43-41 and earned their first district title since 2011.

It was a defensive struggle between the two sides in the opening half, with Centralia leading 16-14. The third quarter proved to be another defensive battle, this time with Moberly retaking the advantage at the end of the quarter 26-22. That’s when a dramatic fourth quarter unfolded.

Moberly built a six-point lead with five minutes remaining. Centralia found themselves down but not out, showing grit to get back into the contest.

A Lady Spartan layup was answered by a Lady Panther layup as leads and ties were exchanged. Moberly held a 43-38 advantage with just under ten seconds remaining. That’s when Centralia senior Jozelynn Bostick gave her team new life with an improbable make.

Moberly would miss the one-an-one free throw on the ensuing possession, and the final shot from Centralia fell short at the buzzer. Asa Fanning led the Lady Spartans with 14 points. Coach Tony Vestal.

Centralia had a mix of players finish near double-digits point totals. Coach Megan Brinkmann said her seniors were foundational in her first year.

The Lady Panthers finished the season 24-4. Moberly will face Visitation Academy in the sectionals round in St. Louis on March 7.

Moberly coach Tony Vestal:

Centralia coach Megan Brinkmann: