CARTHAGE — Propelled by a fast start, the Carthage High School girls basketball team improved to 6-1 on the season with a 43-33 win over McDonald County on Thursday night.
The Tigers took control of the nonconference clash early by racing out to a 14-4 lead by the end of the first period. The hosts were up 25-8 at halftime.
Sophomore forward Hailey Fullerton scored 11 points to lead Carthage, while senior point guard Lexi Black added nine.
Junior guard Rita Santillan scored 11 points to lead the Mustangs (3-7), who erupted for 25 second-half points after being limited to eight in the first half.
Carthage hosts Springfield Central at 6 on Monday.

Carthage 43, McDonald County 33
McDonald Co.      4      4    13  12 - 33    
Carthage            14    11    12    6 - 43

McDonald County Girls: Santillon 11, Frazier 10, Barton 4, Estrada 2, M. Leach 2, Penn 2, R. Wilson 2. 
Carthage Girls: Fullerton 11, Black 9, Duncan 7, Kar. Crowe 5, Negrette 4, Brunnert 2, R. Kabance 2, Peters 2, Anderson 1.