Sheldon boys fall to Jasper

GOLDEN CITY, Mo. -- The third quarter proved decisive, as Sheldon lost its lead and fell behind, unable to make up any ground in the final period against Jasper.

The Panthers wound up dropping a 55-45 decision Thursday night, in the winners' bracket semifinal round of the 58th annual Golden City Boys' Basketball Tournament.

Sheldon will now play Dadeville Saturday, at 4 p.m., for third place in the tournament. Dadeville was a 55-41 loser to Liberal.

Liberal will take on Jasper in the finals Saturday, at 7 p.m.

Jasper edged Sheldon, 10-8, in an even first quarter before the Panthers broke loose for a 17-12 advantage in the second period to take a 25-22 halftime lead.

Jasper exploded in the third, firing in 22 points, while holding Sheldon to 13.

That produced a 44-38 deficit for the Panthers, who managed just eight points in the final quarter, while Jasper added 11 to its total.

Micah Swanson and Reed Worsley were a 1-2 scoring punch for Sheldon, netting 15 points each. Corey Baney added eight, Zach Enochs four and Tristan Hart three.

Three different players scored in double figures for Jasper, with Jacob Holliday producing 16, Blake Jeffries 15 and Jordan Rice 14.