'Cats, Lady 'Cats advance to GVVC title games

Bronaugh Wildcats senior forward Tyler Strunk goes strong to the bucket as Sheldon's Kaleb Martin looks to take the charge during the GVVC tournament semifinals in Montrose. Also pictured, Sheldon's Clayton Loyd and Zavey Lamb (24). (Submitted photo)

Bronaugh Lady Wildcats senior Katey Rider releases a 12-foot jumper from straightaway during Thursday night's GVVC tournament semifinal matchup with NEVC. Rider finished with 30 points. (Submitted photo)

Montrose, Mo. ---- It was a dandy night on the hardwood for the Bronaugh Wildcats and Lady Wildcats as both advanced to the Golden Valley Vernon County Conference tournament championship games.

In the girls' semifinal contest top-seeded Bronaugh throttled fifth-seeded Northeast Vernon County 65-34. The Lady 'Cats were led by senior forward Katey Rider, whose monster performance included 30 points on 13-of-20 shooting from the field, to go along with seven rebounds and three steals.

Also for Bronaugh, senior point guard Taylor Stratford finished with eight points and three steals; sophomore forward Riley Knapp, eight points and two steals; Mandy Murphy, seven points; while Bonnie Moore, Becca Raper and Paige Wait combined for a dozen points. NEVC was led by sophomore forward Makinsey Conner, who poured in 28 points on 11-of-19 shooting from the field.

In the boys' semifinal matchup pitting second-seeded Sheldon vs. No. 3 seed Bronaugh, the Wildcats prevailed 41-39 as senior Tyler Strunk tallied 27 points and 13 rebounds in the winning effort, while Joe Mader finished with nine. Sheldon center Brett O'Connor finished with a team-high 16.

As of press time, results were not available for the other semifinal matchups. The GVVC boys' and girls championship contests are slated for Saturday in Montrose. Check Tuesday's edition of the Daily Mail for coverage