CARTHAGE - The Carthage girls basketball team built an early lead in the first quarter and pulled away down the stretch for a 57-41 Central Ozark Conference win over Willard on Thursday.
Carthage (11-12, 2-4 COC) scored 17 points in the first quarter on the way to a six-point cushion. Carthage outscored Willard 19-12 in the third quarter to push the lead to double digits, holding that pace down the stretch.
"It was excellent execution of the game plan by the girls tonight," Carthage coach Scott Moore said. "Willard is great in transition and loves to shoot the 3 a lot. Our plan was to minimize both of those options for them, and we did a great job tonight."
Lauren Choate led Carthage with 17 points, including three 3-pointers, all coming in the third quarter. Kianna Yates finished with 13 points, while Sophie Shannon finished with 12. Landry Cochran added nine.
"Lauren Choate had a great all-around game tonight," Moore said. "She shot the ball really well and played her best defensive game of the year. The kid was flying all over the place to guard their shooters.
"Our two post players took advantage of Willard's lack of height and got us key buckets each quarter. Sophie Shannon had a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Landry Cochran scored nine points and had to defend their guards in space all night."
Carthage hosts Branson on Tuesday for Senior Night.
-SoMo Staff Reports

Carthage JV 40, Willard JV 33
Carthage 9th 32, Willard 9th 14