Wellsville-Middletown to Battle Stanberry in Class 1 Semifinal

The Wellsville-Middletown Tigers will face Stanberry in a Class 1 Semifinal at the Hammons Student Center in Springfield Friday night at 8:00. The game marks the Tigers’ first appearance in the Show-Me Showdown since 1987. Wellsville-Middletown head coach Steve Lasman says this is a special experience for everyone involved.

Tenth-ranked Wellsville-Middletown reached the Show-Me Showdown with a 64-57 win over North Shelby this past Saturday. However, the Tigers’ postseason run has been based largely on a defense that is averaging just 39 points allowed a game. Offensively, Lasman says the team has a few simple keys to success.

The third-ranked Stanberry Bulldogs faced a rugged road to reach Springfield. They defeated eighth-ranked Green City 50-47 in Saturday’s quarterfinal. The Bulldogs have also posted wins over second-ranked Mound City and fourth-ranked Winston during this postseason. Stanberry coach Nick Groomer says his team was prepared for this run.

The 24-3 Bulldogs are making their first appearance at the Show-Me Showdown since winning it all in 2016 with a perfect 31-0 record. This year’s Stanberry team has also used defense to reach Springfield as they allow 41 points a game. Groomer says this will be a matchup of two similar teams.

Pregame coverage will begin at 7:50 pm on KTCM 97.3 and centralmoinfo.com. Colin Schowe and Eric Duick will have the call.