The Thayer Bobcats basketball team went up against the reigning Class 3 State Champions, the Central New Madrid County Eagles, on March 8, 2024, in Columbia, Missouri, for the Class 3 semifinals. The Eagles prevailed, moving on with a 57-44 win.
A Close Game
The game started off close during the beginning. As the first quarter moved on, the Eagles got up to a nine-point lead. After steals from Rowan Spencer (#2 for Bobcats) and Devin Harrington (#3 for Bobcats), a blocked shot from Harrington, and a three-pointer from Spencer, the score at the end of the third quarter was 13-11, with the Eagles leading.
Lengthening Lead
Thayer’s only lead of the game came right away in the second quarter with free throws from Harrington. Easton Pitts (#1 for Bobcats) kept the Bobcats within two with a three-pointer. With around three minutes in the half, Pitts went for the shot but missed. Harrington got the rebound with a slam dunk. The score at halftime was 28-20, with New Madrid in the lead.
Still A Close Game
Immediately after the second half started, there were three three-pointers, two from Rowan Spencer and one from BJ Williamson (#5 for Eagles). With 2:20 in the quarter, Devin received the inbound pass and scored by making his second dunk of the night. The score at the end of the third quarter was 39-31, with the Eagles still leading.
Eagles Edge Out
The Eagles defense held the Bobcats well during the fourth quarter, as well as the entire game. Thayer just could not get closer than eight points to New Madrid in the final quarter. Aidan Burns (#12 for Bobcats) made a three-pointer for his team with about 4:17 in the game. During the game, especially in the first half, the Bobcats’ defense had several steals from multiple players. The final score was 57-44, with the Eagles moving on to the championship game.
Next Game
Thayer will battle it out today, March 9th, at 2:00 pm against Montgomery County Wildcats or the Summit Christian Academy Eagles for third place in Class 3. [1]
