The Indians are hosting the Strafford Invitational Tournament this week with the first round of play at the high school gymnasium beginning on Monday, Nov. 27.
The Ava Bears, Waynesville Tigers, Willow Springs Bears, Sparta Trojans, Buffalo Bison, Mountain Grove Panthers, and Cassville Wildcats all participated.
A match between Waynesville and Willow Springs tipped off at 6:00 p.m. Willow took the win.
Strafford and Ava played right after at 7:00.
“Our football team had a great run this year, and we’ve only had so many practices as a full team,” said head coach Tyler Ryerson.
Once senior Brady Ripp won the tip, Cody Voysey ignited in what would end up being an explosive first performance of the season for the junior.
Despite putting up 11 points in the first quarter, the Indians had a small lead due to Ava’s sharpshooter Issac Dalton hitting two three-pointers to keep the Bears within two points.
“They hit some tough shots and played really hard,” commented Ryerson.
The second quarter opened up with a score of 18-16. Both teams hunkered down defensively and went into halftime with a tied score of 26 points.
The second half saw the Indians take control. Voysey dropped eight points in the quarter, scoring all over the court.
“He didn’t settle for three’s,” said Ryerson. “Most of his points were right at the rim, but he hit some pull-ups and floaters. He’s a real threat at all three levels.”
The Indians went on a couple of runs to secure the game. They took the win with a score of 58-46.
Voysey sent a message on Monday with his 30-point debut.
Ripp recorded a double-double with 10 points and 15 rebounds.
Football stand-out Silas Morton joined the Indians basketball squad for the first time since his eighth-grade year. Despite the long break, Morton has found himself in the starting lineup.
“Morton is a phenomenal athlete,” added Ryerson. “He’s really soaked in what we’re trying to accomplish. I’m hoping to make him our top defender and a real problem for other teams’ best players.”
The Indians face Willow Springs on Thursday, Nov. 30 at 7:00 p.m. at Strafford High School.
Check next week’s edition of The Marshfield Mail for the results of the Strafford Invitational.
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