Updated Feb. 3, 2022, at 6:30 p..m.

Nixa Public Schools has released its dates, information, and brackets for the boys and girls basketball Nixa Invitational Tournament (NIT), sponsored by Air Services Heating & and Cooling and All Service.

Below is all pertinent information regarding both tournaments.

The 2022 Girls Nixa Invitational Tournament (GNIT) will be held from January 20-22.

The 2022 Boys Nixa Invitational Tournament (BNIT) will be from January 27-29.

Both tournaments follow the traditional eight-team bracket format.

The pre GNIT bracket can be found here (PDF) or at the below link. The final GNIT bracket can be found here (PDF) or at the below link.

The BNIT bracket can be found here (PDF) or at the below link. The final be can be found here (PDF) or at the below link.
 

---

General NIT Information:

Admission to the tournament is as followed: 
-Adult (College/Up) is $4.
-Student (1st-12th) is $2.
-Senior Citizen is free admission.

Tickets can be purchased online here or at the below link.

Passes that are not accepted are MTSA member cards, COC Passes or other similar type passes.

Every game, for both girls and boys, will be live broadcasted throughout the NIT on the Nixa Public Schools' YouTube channel by the Nixa Live Production students here or at the link below.

Live game updates will be available on the Nixa Athletics Twitter account. Follow @nixaathletics to stay updated.

Tournament updates and daily recaps will be posted on our website at the conclusion of each day, along with social media channels. 

Concessions will be available and credit cards are accepted.

Tournament programs and t-shirts will also be available. 

For media requests/reservations, passes, or needs please contact Alex Stein at alexstein@nixaschools.net.

Nixa High School would like to remind all spectators that this tournament is competitive, but it is also an educational experience for all players and students. Let's continue to show respect and sportsmanship throughout the tournament and refrain from negative cheers, chants, or behavior. We welcome our guests and wish all players good luck. Fans are also reminded that entering the court at any time is not permitted.
 

---

Important Tournament Links:
-2022 Final GNIT Bracket (PDF)
-2022 Pre GNIT Bracket
-2022 BNIT Bracket
-2022 Final BNIT Bracket (PDF)
-Buy Tickets Here
-Live Stream Link
-Nixa Athletics Twitter
-Nixa Athletics Facebook
 

---

Boys Updates and Recaps
Recaps By: Ryan Retone, Student Intern

Updated Bracket After Day 1 (PDF)

Friday Schedule:
Consolation: Rogersville vs. Hillcrest | 4 p.m.
Consolation: Belton vs. Cape Notre Dame | 5:30 p.m.
Semifinal: Marquette vs. Nixa | 7 p.m.
Semifinal: NMCC vs. Blair Oaks | 8:30 p.m.

Day 1 Leading Scorers:
31, Luke Northweather (Sr.), Blair Oaks
22, Quinn Kusgen (Sr.), Blair Oaks
22, Kael Combs (Jr.), Nixa
21, Jadis Jones (So.), NMCC
21, Wiliamson (Sr.), NMCC

Team PPG Leaders After Day 1:
1. 77 Points, Nixa
2. 72 Points, New Madrid County Central

Team PPG Allowed Leaders After Day 1:
1. 35 Points, Blair Oaks
2. 48 Points, Marquette

Updated Bracket After Day 2 (PDF)

Day 2 Leading Scorers:
19, Colin Ruffin (Sr.), Nixa
19, Luke Northweather (Sr.), Blair Oaks
18, Shamar Williamson (Sr.), NMCC
16, Giovanni Mack (Jr.), Belton
16, Will Henry Steward (Fr.), Cape Notre Dame

Leading Scorers After Day 2:
25 PPG, Luke Northweather (Sr.), Blair Oaks
19.5 PPG, Shamar Williamson (Sr.), NMCC
18 PPG, Colin Ruffin (Sr.), Nixa
17.5 PPG, Giovanni Mack (Jr.), Belton
17 PPG, Quinn Kusgen (Sr.), Blair Oaks

Team PPG Leaders After Day 2:
1. 68.5 PPG, Nixa
2. 61 PPG, New Madrid County Central

Team PPG Allowed Leaders After Day 2:
1. 39.5 PPG, Nixa
2. 42.5 PPG, Blair Oaks

Saturday Schedule:
Seventh Place: Hillcrest vs. Belton | 11 a.m.
Fifth Place: Rogersville vs. Cape Notre Dame | 12:30 p.m.
Third Place: Marquette vs. NMCC | 2 p.m.
Championship: Blair Oaks vs. Nixa | 3:30 p.m.

2022 Final BNIT Bracket (PDF)

Day 3 Leading Scorers:
28, Luke Northweather (Sr.), Blair Oaks
19, Giovanni Mack (Jr.), Belton
18, Cole Griesemer (Jr.), Hillcrest
17, Naheim Northern (Jr.), Belton
16, Colin Ruffin (Sr.), Nixa, JJ O'Neal (Sr.), Rogersville

BNIT Overall Scoring Leaders:
26 PPG, Luke Northweather (Sr.), Blair Oaks
18 PPG, Giovanni Mack (Jr.), Belton
18 PPG, Shamar Williamson (Sr.), NMCC
17.3 PPG, Colin Ruffin (Sr.), Nixa
15 PPG, Cole Griesemer (Jr.), Hillcrest

Team PPG Leaders - Tournament
1. 65.3 PPG, Blair Oaks
2. 63.3 PPG, Nixa

Team PPG Allowed Leaders - Tournament
1. 46 PPG, Blair Oaks
2. 48.3 PPG, New Madrid County Central

Final Placements:
Champions: Blair Oaks Falcons
2nd: Nixa Eagles
3rd: New Madrid County Central Eagles
4th: Marquette Mustangs
5th: Notre Dame (CG) Bulldogs
6th: Rogersville Wildcats
7th: Hillcrest Hornets
8th: Belton Pirates  

---

Boys Game Recaps:

New Madrid County Central 72, Hillcrest, 50 - Jan. 27, 2022

State-ranked New Madrid County Central (NMCC) and Hillcrest opened up the 95th Annual Boys Nixa Invitational Tournament.

The Eagles kicked off the game hot from inside the paint, using the duo of Jadis Jones and Shamar Williamson to dominate in the post. Keyon King was two-for-two from deep in the quarter giving NMCC the nine-point lead.

Cole Griesemer turned it on in the second quarter of action. Hillcrest brought the game back within two possessions, receiving eight points from Griesemer. However, the Eagles would use Jones to increase their lead back to nine going into the locker room.

It was the Marcellous Phillips' show to open the second half. He scored ten points, including two very aggressive dunks that gave NMCC the momentum and a big lead. Griesemer continued to get buckets, scoring six points in the quarter. It was the Eagles out in front by 20 after outscoring Hillcrest 22-11 in the quarter. 

Phillips added four more points before both teams put in their bench for the duration of the game.

The Eagles took the contest 72-50.

The Hornets will look to bounce back tomorrow against the loser of Blair Oaks/Rogersville at 4 p.m. The Eagles advanced to take on the winner in the semifinals at 8:30 p.m.

Box Score:
NMCC 19 | 16 | 22 | 15 | 72
Hillcrest 10 | 16 | 11 | 13 | 50

Leading Scorers:
NMCC, Jadis Jones (So.), 21
NMCC, Shamar Williamson (Sr.), 21
Hillcrest, Cole Griesemer (Jr.), 19
NMCC, Marcellous Phillips (Sr.), 16

Blair Oaks 65, Rogersville, 35 - Jan. 27, 2022

Class 4 No. 2 Blair Oaks took on Rogersville for a chance to play New Madrid County Central in the semifinal.

Mcdonald's All-American nominee, Luke Northweather, was a big part of the early lead for the Falcons. The 6'10 stretch forward dominated every facet of the game and his eleven first-half points gave Blair Oaks a 28-19 lead at the half. 

Rogersville's Ross Lawerance carried the second quarter scoring for the Wildcats. He scored eight and his lone misses came from the charity stripe.

Stifling defense, along with the senior dynamic duo of Quinn Kusgen and Northweather, led the way in the third. The two players scored all 16 of the Falcons third-quarter points, creating separation for Blair Oaks. 

Rogersville trailed 44-25 going into the last quarter.

The fourth quarter was more of the same for the Falcons. They took the game 65-35. Northweather finished with 31, followed closely by Kusgen's 22.

It will be a battle of top teams in Class 4 with a trip to the BNIT championship game on the line, as No. 4 New Madrid County Central will battle with No. 2 Blair Oaks at 8:30 p.m. Rogersville will take on Hillcrest at 4 p.m. in the consolation bracket.

Box Score:
Blair Oaks 17 | 11 | 16 | 21 | 65
Rogersville 8 | 11 | 6 | 10 | 35

Leading Scorers:
Blair Oaks, Luke Northweather (Sr.), 31
Blair Oaks, Quin Kusgen (Sr.), 22
LR, Ross Lawrence (So.), 10
LR, JJ O'Neal (Sr.), 7

Nixa 77, Cape Notre Dame 52, - Jan. 27, 2022

The third matchup of the night was a rematch of the 1986 Class 2 state championship game between Cape Notre Dame and Nixa. The Bulldogs from Cape Girardeau took that matchup 66-47.

The gym began to fill in as anticipation built for the host team Nixa to take the court. The Eagles used that to start out hot, behind two Kael Combs' long balls.

However, Notre Dame did not back down from the challenge. The Bulldogs closed out the period on a 6-0 run to close the quarter trailing by six.

Combs continued his hot ways in the second quarter, finishing the first half with 18 points, including a monster jam on a fast break. It took a team effort for the Bulldogs to keep it close entering the half, as six players had scored points. 

Nixa held a 36-24 lead at the break.

The Bulldogs' defensive effort caused a lot of problems for the Eagles to open up the third quarter. It took Nixa nearly 2:30 to score a field goal, but once they did, it was an offensive explosion for the Eagles. Jordyn Turner made three from beyond the arc, extending Nixa's lead to 58-40 at the end of three.

Colten Berry only scored four points on the night, but he had the most exciting play of the night. The Eagles' faithful chanted his name, and Berry dunked on two defenders, bringing the house down.

Nixa went on to win the game 77-52.

The Bulldogs will play tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. against the loser of Marquette/Belton in the consolation bracket. Nixa advances to the first semifinal at 7 p.m.

Box Score:
Nixa 18 | 18 | 22 | 19 | 77
Cape Notre Dame 12 | 12 | 16 | 12 | 52

Leading Scorers:
Nixa, Kael Combs (Jr.), 22
Nixa, Jordyn Turner (Sr.), 20
Nixa, Colin Ruffin (Sr.), 17
ND, Quin Hunter (Sr.), 13

Marquette 63, Belton, 45 - Jan. 27, 2022

Marqutte and Belton matched up for the final semifinal spot. The two teams traveled an average of 185 miles, making the crowd sparse for the final matchup. The teams used their benches to create energy throughout the night.

The first half was all in favor of the Pirates, using big performances from Max Harris and Greg Lyles. Belton's biggest lead of the half was 12. The Mustangs used a pair of Sam McCandless threes to cut the lead to just nine prior to halftime.

The Pirates held the momentum for most of the third quarter, kicking off with an 8-0 run. Getting out to an 18-point lead halfway through the quarter, Marquette used multiple short runs to narrow the lead and finished off the quarter on a 7-0 run to close the Belton lead to 45-39.

The Mustangs showed up in a big way during the fourth quarter. Behind Harris' 12 points in the final frame, they outscored the Pirates 24-3, to win the game. 

Marquette and Nixa will meet in the semifinals for the first time since the teams played in the Class 5 2012 State Semifinals. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. Belton will look to bounce back at 5:30 p.m. against Cape Notre Dame in the consolation bracket. Marquette 8 | 12 | 19 | 24 | 63
Belton 18 | 11 | 16 | 3 | 48

Hillcrest 50, Rogersville, 42 - Jan. 28, 2022

Two Southwest Missouri teams kick-started day two of the BNIT, as Hillcrest and Rogersville tipped off at 4 p.m.

The Wildcats used a balanced effort to score the basketball in quarter number one. Four players scored for Rogersville in the quarter. The Hornets used a huge performance from Braxton Baker, scoring half of the teams points in the frame. 

At the end of one, the teams were even at 14.

Rogersville's defense settled in prior to halftime. They created turnovers on nearly every possession, opening up the door to score the basketball in transition. The Wildcats outscored Hillcrest 13-5 in the period, leading to their 27-19 halftime advantage.

JJ O'Neal opened up the second-half scoring with a layup, giving Rogersville their first double-digit lead of the night, and tournament. Hillcrest would get within six prior to the quarter, but a Ross Lawrence bucket extended it back to eight (42-34) at the end of the third.

Hillcrest started the final quarter on a 7-0 run and cut the lead to just one point. The Hornets had chances in the final quarter to come back and take the lead, but they only scored two more points in the final 5:40 of the game. The offensive woes ended the comeback run for Hillcrest.

Rogersville went on to win 50-43.

The Wildcats advance to the consolation finals tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. They will take on the winner of Belton/Cape Notre Dame. The Hornets will play for seventh place at 11 a.m. 

Box Score:
Rogersville 14 | 13 | 15 | 8 | 50
Hillcrest 14 | 5 | 15 | 9 | 42

Leading Scorers:
Rogersville, Justin Bryant (Sr.), 13
Hillcrest, Braxton Baker (Sr.), 13
Rogersville, JJ O'Neal (Sr.), 12

Cape Notre Dame 50, Belton, 42 - Jan. 28, 2022

The Belton Pirates and Cape Notre Dame Bulldogs faced off in the second game of the night.

This game was a defensive battle, as it took 2:15 for either team to score the basketball. The freshman Will Henry Steward started his big scoring night with a three pointer to break the scoring drought. However, those are the only points he would score in the first three quarters.

Greg Dennis and Quinn Hunter were the big story for the Bulldogs in the first half. They combined for 18 first-half points, and were the only players to make a two-point field goal for Cape Notre Dame. 

Outside of Giovanni Mack, points were sparse for the Pirates. Mack scored nine first-half points, keeping Belton within seven, at 27-20 heading into the locker room. 

Belton was able to outscore the Bulldogs 10-7, behind three long balls and cut the lead to just four heading into the final fame.

As the Pirates began to foul late in the quarter, it looked as if they had a chance to come back, but Cape Notre Dame missed on four freethrows, including the front-end of two bonus chances. 

However, the freshman stepped up again. Steward connected three times from deep, and went 4-for-4 from the line, icing the game for the Bulldogs.

The final score was 50-42.

Cape Notre Dame will be paired with Rogersville in the consolation finals tomorrow. Belton will battle with Hillcrest for seventh place.

Box Score:
Cape Notre Dame 12 | 15 | 7 | 16 | 50
Belton 11 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 42

Leading Scorers:
Belton, Giovanni Mack (Jr.), 21
ND, Will Henry Steward (Fr.), 18
Belton, Greg Lyles (Jr.), 16
ND, Greg Dennis (Jr.), 15
ND, Quin Hunter (Sr.), 14

Nixa 60, Marquette, 27 - Jan. 28, 2022

It was a rematch of the 2012 Class 5 State semifinals, as Nixa hosted Marquette in the first BNIT semifinal.

Nixa used a very balanced attack and suffocating defense to dominate the first half. Six-of-the-eight Eagles that entered the game scored the basketball in the first half. Senior point guard Colin Ruffin had ten in the first half and finished with a game-high 19. 

The Suburban Conference leading-scorer Andrew Young would come alive in the second quarter, scoring six points, however it was still all the Nixa Eagles. They led 32-14 at the half.

Nixa dunked the basketball five times in the second half, three of them coming from Colten Berry. Berry's presence was felt on the inside from both ends of the floor. When he checked out with 12 points for the final time, the Eagle Fieldhouse crowd erupted in a standing ovation for the senior. 

The Eagles outscored the Mustangs 28-13 in the second half, leading by as much as 40. They claimed the first championship game spot with a 60-27 win.

Nixa moves on to the championship game of the NIT for the ninth time in the last ten years. Marquette will try to claim third place tomorrow at 2 p.m.

Box Score:
Nixa 15 | 17 | 21 | 7 | 60
Marquette 2 | 12 | 2 | 11 | 27

Leading Scorers:
Nixa, Colin Ruffin (Sr.), 19
Nixa, Colten Berry (Sr.), 12
Nixa, Jackson Bell (Sr.), 8
Nixa, Jordyn Turner (Sr.), 8

Blair Oaks 52, New Madrid County Central, 50 - Jan. 28, 2022

It was a battle of the top teams in Class 4 during the second semifinal. No. 2 Blair Oaks took on No. 6 New Madrid County Central (NMCC) in a potential state-playoff preview.

The tournament's leading scorer on night one started his second game off with a bang. Luke Northweather skied through the air twice in the first quarter, getting two slams. 

Shamar Williamson was out to a fast start in this one, scoring 13 first-half points. Only three Eagles scored in the first half. 

The Falcons held a slim one-point lead heading into the locker room.
Blair Oaks increased their lead by three points in the third quarter, outscoring the Eagles 13-10.

NMCC had chances to tie and take the lead in the final quarter but could never get ahead on the scoreboard. Northweather scored eight points to give the Falcons a four-point lead with under five seconds to go. Keyon King would make a layup, but Coach McFerren's timeout call came with zeros on the clock, and Blair Oaks survived.

Blair Oaks advances to the championship game and eyes a date with Nixa at 3:30 p.m. NMCC will battle for third tomorrow against Marquette. 

Box Score:
Blair Oaks 15 | 9 | 13 | 15 | 52
NMCC 10 | 13 | 10| 17 | 50

Leading Scorers:
Blair Oaks, Luke Northweather (Sr.), 19 
NMCC, Shamar Williamson (Sr.), 18
NMCC,  Marcellous Phillips (Sr.), 15
Blair Oaks, Zach Henry (Jr.), 14

Day 3

Hillcrest 73, Belton, 69 (OT) - Jan. 29, 2022

Hillcrest and Belton began championship Saturday with a battle for seventh place.

After quiet offensive nights from both teams in their previous games, the scoring came fast in this one. Naheim Northern kick started the Pirate offense, scoring eleven points in the first quarter. The Hornets went a different route and spreading out the scoring. All six players that entered the game scored exactly one field goal. 

At the end of the first period Belton held a 20-16 lead.

The defenses settled in during the second quarter of play but Giovanni Mack began to heat up, hitting a pair of three pointers for the Pirates. Hillcrest cut the lead to one possession before the halftime buzzer, making it 33-30.

Braxton Baker came out hot, draining seven points early in the third quarter and gave the Hornets a lead multiple times in the frame. However, Ray Fuller would give Belton the lead back before halftime, sinking a three pointer that made it 44-43.

Cole Griesemer scored eleven points in the fourth quarter, bringing Hillcrest back from down six with under two minutes to play. The Pirates lead by two with ten seconds to play, when Devin Oliver found Deevon Braxton for a layup, sending the game to overtime.

The Hornets opened overtime with a pair of long balls, both coming from Akarius Staten-Ballance. Belton played catchup for the duration of the period, and after a pair of free throws, the game was out of reach. 

Hillcrest claimed seventh place with a 73-69 win.

Box Score:
Hillcrest 16 | 14 | 13 | 20 | 10 | 73
Belton 20 | 13 | 11 | 19 | 6 | 69

Leading Scorers:
Belton, Giovanni Mack (Jr.), 19
Hillcrest, Cole Griesemer (Jr.), 18
Belton, Naheim Northern (Jr.), 17
Belton, Ray Fuller (Sr.), 15
Hillcrest, Akarius Staten-Ballance (So.), 14

Cape Notre Dame 44, Rogersville 40 - Jan. 29, 2022

Cape Notre Dame and Rogersville competed for the consolation championship.

The Wildcats got out to a lead immediately, using Missouri State football commit JJ O'Neal's playmaking ability. Rogersville led 8-0, triggering a timeout from Notre Dame. 

The Bulldogs would come out of the timeout hot offensively, and brought he game back to 10-9 at the end of one.

Rogersville opened the second quarter in similar fashion, another 8-0 run which propelled Rogersville to a nine-point lead. Both teams were in the bonus for most of the quarter and would exchange free throws for the remainder of the half. 

Rogersville led 26-18 at the break.

Neither team could find a groove offensively in the third quarter. The Bulldogs cut the lead by one, outscoring Rogersville 8-7.

Rogersville left nine points at the free-throw line in the final frame, opening the door for Cape Notre Dame's comeback. The team's leading scorer, Quin Hunter, scored seven points, including the go-ahead bucket. 

The Bulldogs would go on to claim the consolation title, 44-40.

Box Score:
Notre Dame CG 9 | 9 | 8 | 18 | 44
Rogersville 10 | 16 | 7 | 7 | 40

Leading Scorers:
Rogersville, JJ O'Neal (Sr.), 16
Notre Dame CG, Blake Anderson (Sr.), 12
Rogersville CG, Thessan Prenger (So.), 10
Notre Dame CG, Quin Hunter (Sr.), 9

New Madrid County Central 62, Marquette, 43 - Jan. 29, 2022

New Madrid County Central and Marquette seeked to bounce back in the third-place game in the BNIT.

It was all Eagles from the opening tip-off. Seniors Shamar Williamson and Marcelous Phillips showcased their athleticism, leaping through the air to block shots, and finish at the rim in transition.

Marquette was riddled with turnovers in the first half, due to the highly-active full court pressure that Coach Lennies McFerren implemented for NMCC.

At halftime, Coach McFerren and the Eagles led 37-14.

Marquette's offense showed life out of the locker room, but it was way too late for the Mustangs. Despite outscoring the Eagles 29-25 in the second half, they would fall 62-43.

After the game, NMCC was awarded with the third place trophy and the Denzil Morris Sportsmanship Award.

Box Score:
NMCC 14 | 23 | 11 | 14 | 62
Marquette 5 | 9 | 12 | 17 | 43

Leading Scorers:
NMCC, Shamar Williamson (Sr.), 15
NMCC, Jadis Jones (Jr.), 12
NMCC, Keyon King (Jr.), 12

Blair Oaks 79, Nixa, 53 - Jan. 29, 2022

Anticipation built in Eagle Fieldhouse, as the hometown Nixa team took the court for their championship matchup with Blair Oaks.

The Falcons took an early lead and ran with it, causing Coach Osborne to burn two timeouts early in the first quarter. Coming out of the second timeout, Jorydn Turner dunked after a steal, finally giving the crowd something to cheer for. 

It seemed like the Eagles finally had some momentum trailing only by four, but Blair Oaks would not allow anything defensively and led 12-6 after one.

Colin Ruffin hit a three pointer to cut the Falcons lead to just one, causing a timeout. After both teams traded buckets, Blair Oaks would go on a 10-0 run led by Luke Northweather. 

At halftime, Blair Oaks led host Nixa 26-16.

Turner opened up the second half with a three pointer, but Blair Oaks would go on a 10-0 run. Dylan Hair brought the Falcons lead to over 20 with a corner three. Zach Herigon beat the buzzer, capping off the dominating quarter at 51-32.

Despite being the most productive quarter of the game offensively for the Eagles, Nixa failed to get stops. Blair Oaks went on to take the 95th Nixa Invitational Championship in dominating fashion. The 26-point loss was the worst ever for Nixa in an NIT championship game.

Box Score:
Blair Oaks 12 | 14 | 25 | 28 | 79
Nixa 6 | 10 | 16 | 19 | 53

Leading Scorers:
Blair Oaks, Luke Northweather (Sr.), 28
Nixa, Colin Ruffin (Sr.), 16
Blair Oaks, Zach Henry (Jr.), 15
Nixa, Kael Combs (Jr.), 13  

---

Girls Updates and Recaps
Recaps By: Ryan Retone, Student Intern

Updated Bracket After Day 1 (PDF)

Day 1 Leading Scorers
29, Lexi Rubel (Sr.), Notre Dame CG
27, Ashton Judd (Sr.), West Plains
26, Ellie Paloucek (Sr.), Webster Groves
24, Regan Williams (So.), Park Hill South
19, Kaemyn Bekemeier (Jr.), Republic

Updated Bracket after Day 2 (PDF)

Day 2 Leading Scorers:
31, Kaemyn Bekemeier (Jr.), Republic
25, Ashton Judd (Sr.), West Plains
21, Eliza Maupin (Sr.), Webster Groves
18, Norah Clark (Jr.), Nixa
16, Macie Conway (Sr.), Nixa; Regan Williams (So.), Park Hill South

Leading Scorers After Day 2:
26 PPG, Ashton Judd (Sr.), West Plains
25 PPG, Kaemyn Bekemeier (Jr.), Republic
20 PPG, Regan Williams (So.), Park Hill South
19 PPG, Ellie Paloucek (Sr.), Webster Groves
18.5 PPG, Lexi Rubel (Sr.), Notre Dame CG

Team PPG Leaders After Day 2:
1. 68.5 PPG, Nixa
2. 56 PPG, Park Hill South, Webster Groves

Team PPG Allowed Leaders After Day 2:
1. 30 PPG, Park Hill South
2. 36 PPG, Nixa
Saturday Schedule:
Seventh Place: Carnahan Prep vs. Norfolk (AR) | 11 a.m.
Fifth Place: Park Hill South vs. Republic | 12:30 p.m.
Third Place: Webster Groves vs. Notre Dame (CG) | 2 p.m.
Championship: Nixa vs. West Plains | 3:30 p.m.

Day 3 Leading Scorers:
28, Kaemyn Bekemeier (Jr.), Republic
23, Ashton Judd (Sr.), West Plains
22, Alyssa Joyner (So.), West Plains
18, Ali Kamies (Sr.), Nixa
16, Eliza Maupin (Sr.), Webster Groves, Rhianna Gibbons (Sr.), Nixa

GNIT Overall Scoring Leaders:
26 PPG, Kaemyn Bekemeier (Jr.), West Plains
25 PPG, Ashton Judd (Sr.), West Plains
16.7 PPG, Ellie Paloucek (Sr.), Webster Groves
16 PPG, Regan Williams (So.), Park Hill South
14.3 PPG, Keely Blanchard (So.), Norfork (AR)

Team PPG Leaders - Tournament
1. 61.3 PPG, Nixa
2. 58.3 PPG, Republic

Team PPG Allowed Leaders - Tournament
1. 42 PPG, West Plains
2. 43.7 PPG, Nixa

Final Placements:
Champions: West Plains Lady Zizzers
2nd: Nixa Lady Eagles
3rd: Webster Groves Statesmen
4th: Cape Notre Dame Lady Bulldogs
5th: Republic Lady Tigers
6th: Park Hill South Lady Panthers
7th: Norfork Lady Panthers
8th: Carnahan Prep Lady Bulldogs

2022 Final GNIT Bracket (PDF)  

---

Game Recaps:

Webster Groves 51, Park Hill South, 50 - Jan. 20, 2022

The Webster Groves Statesman and Park Hill South Lady Panthers kicked off the 2022 GNIT.

Park Hill South came out the gates hot against the Class 5 No. 3 team in Missouri. They started the game out on a 6-0 run. The scoring however went stagnant and the Statesman brought the game back within two. The Lady Panthers used a team-effort with four different players scoring in the opening frame, giving them a 10-8 lead after one.

Webster Groves gained their first lead of the game after a quarter-opening 6-0 run. They would not look back in the first half. Led by senior guard Ellie Paloucek, the Statesman would double Park Hill South's second-quarter score 18-9 en route to a 26-19 halftime lead.

Paloucek and the Statesman took their largest lead of the night 90 seconds into the second half on a fast-break layup. Sophomore Regan Williams began the comeback for the Lady Panthers. Her nine-point quarter narrowed the lead to just five for Webster Grove heading into the final period. 

Williams split free-throws trailing by two with under a minute to play, and after a pair of free throws from Jenna Clark, found themselves with the ball and a three-point deficit. Out of a timeout, the Panthers turned the ball over, putting the Statesman in prime position with 10.1 seconds left. Paloucek would go 1-for-2 from the line, which then was followed by a Nittinger three pointer. But, it was too late, as the clock expired and Webster Groves survived 51-50.

The Lady Panthers will look to bounce back tomorrow against the loser of Carnahan Prep/Nixa at 4 p.m. The Statesman advance to take on the winner in the semifinals at 7 p.m.

Box Score:
Webster Groves 8 | 18 | 13 | 12 | 51
Park Hill South 10 | 9 | 15 | 16 | 50

Leading Scorers:
WG, Ellie Paloucek (Sr.), 26
PH South, Regan Williams (So.), 24
WG, Jenna Clark (Sr.), 15
PH South, Avery Simmons (So.), 8
PH South, Shun Quinlan (Jr.), 6

Nixa 69, Carnahan Prep, 11 - Jan. 20, 2022

The Nixa Lady Eagles and Carnahan Prep Lady Cougars met with the chance to play Webster Groves in the semifinals on the line. 

Nixa fired off a 18-0 run to open the contest, much in part to Macie Conway scoring all ten of her points in the first quarter. Six different Lady Eagles scored, and led 26-4 at the end of one. 

Nixa outscored the Lady Cougars 19-0 in the second quarter. At the half, Nixa was in command with a 40-4 lead. Conway led all scorers with ten points, while Juarnesha Washington and Rawan Almoaiber each had two for Carnahan. 

Ali Kamies and Jacy Bray each had eight points in the third quarter for Nixa, where they extended their lead even further to 59-8. 

After a Karis Ferguson free throw, and a Ceely Young three pointer, every Lady Eagle scored a point in the game. Taylor Campbell scored for the Lady Cougars, and Nixa won with a final score of 69-11.

Carnahan Prep will face Park Hill South in the Consolation bracket tomorrow at 4 p.m. The Lady Eagles will face off against the Statesman of Webster Groves in the semifinals tomorrow at 7 p.m.

Box Score:
Nixa 26 | 14 | 19 | 10 | 69
Carnahan Prep 4 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 11

Leading Scorers:
Nixa, Ali Kamies (Sr.), 16
Nixa, Jacy Bray (So.), 10
Nixa, Macie Conway (Sr.), 10
Nixa, Sadie Conway (So.), 7
Nixa, Chloe Krans (Jr.), 6

West Plains 54, Norfork, 52 (OT) - Jan. 20, 2022

The West Plains Lady Zizzers and Norfork Lady Panthers matched up in the third game of the night.

Scoring was at a premium in the early stages of this contest. Only seven field goals between the two teams in the first quarter. West Plains led 11-6 after one quarter. 

Norfork dominated the second quarter, including a 7-0 run that gave the Lady Panthers their first lead since it was 1-0 with just four minutes left in the half. Keely Blanchard connected on a pair of long balls in the quarter, scoring all eight of her first-half points and giving Norfork a 26-19 advantage into the locker room.

The Lady Zizzers responded strong to start the second half. Ashton Judd would come alive with 12 third-quarter points. West Plains regained the lead when Judd hit two free throws with under a minute to go in the quarter. Kiley Alman drilled a corner three to take the lead right back. It was a putback by Judd that ended the quarter and gave the Lady Zizzers a 37-36 lead.

Blanchard single-handedly kept Norfork in the game. In the fourth quarter, she went to the line a total of ten times, converting on eight attempts, including a pair that took the lead with 90 seconds in regulation. It was Judd who sent the game to overtime. With 40 seconds to play, she hit a mid-range jump shot to tie the game at 47. A pair of defensive stops from the teams brought the first overtime game of the tournament.

The Lady Panthers held a lead for most of overtime thanks to a Blanchard layup. Junior Zoey Williams hit a three-pointer to tie the game with 50 seconds left. After a missed Norfork shot, West Plains' Kaylea Dixon was fouled with 1.3 seconds to go. The junior stepped up, connecting on both from the charity stripe, and sending the Lady Zizzers to the semifinals.

The Lady Panthers will play tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. against the loser of Republic/Notre Dame in the consolation bracket. West Plains advances to the second semifinal at 8:30 p.m.

Box Score:
West Plains 11 | 8 | 18 | 10 | 7 | 54
Norfork (AR) 6 | 18 | 12 | 11 | 5 | 52

Leading Scorers:
WP, Ashton Judd (Sr.), 27
Nor., Keely Blanchard (So.), 18
WP,  Kaylea Dixon (Jr.), 13
Nor., Kiley Alman (Jr.), 10

Notre Dame CG 48, Republic, 45 (OT) - Jan. 20, 2022

The Notre Dame Lady Bulldogs and Republic Lady Tigers battled for the final semifinal spot in the nightcap.

It was the Rubel sister show to kick off the night for the Lady Bulldogs. They scored eight of the ten points on Notre Dame's game-opening 10-2 run. Alaina Norman and Kaemyn Bekemeier led the way back for Republic. Norman tied the game at 16 with a layup, and that is how the first quarter of action ended. 

Lexi Rubel was the key player for the Lady Bulldogs. She led the charge in the second quarter with ten points, giving them the slight 29-28 advantage at halftime.

Republic immediately took the lead to kick off the third quarter. The Rubel sisters scored every Lady Bulldogs point in the quarter, while Bekemeier scored the Lady Tigers six on her own. At the end of three quarters, Notre Dame led 36-34. 

Lexi Rubel scored all nine of the Lady Bulldogs fourth quarter points as well. She gave Notre Dame a lead with 2:11 left at 45-44. Knotts went 1-for-2 at the line for Republic, tying the game at 45. Both teams were held scoreless for the last minute, and there was overtime for the second straight game.

The Lady Bulldogs played suffocating defense and held the Lady Tigers scoreless for the final 5:40 of the game. Notre Dame converted on three free throws in the final period and won the game 48-45.

Republic will take on Norfork (AR) in the consolation semifinal at 5:30 p.m. Notre Dame claims the last spot in the semifinals, and will take on West Plains at 8:30 p.m.

Box Score:
Notre Dame CG 16 | 13 | 7 | 9 | 3 | 48
Republic 16 | 12 | 6 | 11 | 0 | 45

Leading Scorers:
ND, Lexi Rubel (Sr.), 29
Rep., Kaemyn Bekemeier (Jr.), 19
Rep.,  Alaina Norman (So..), 11
Rep., Rilynn Finley (So.), 9
ND, Jenna Givens (Jr.), 8

Park Hill South 62, Carnahan Prep, 18 - Jan. 21, 2022

Park Hill South and Carnahan Prep opened up day two of the 2022 Girls Nixa Invitational Tournament.

The Lady Panthers wasted no time in scoring the basketball. It was the sophomore Regan Williams who continued her dominance from the night before in the opening quarter. She scored eleven points to give Park Hill South a 22-5 lead after one. Xela Davis was a bright spot for the Lady Cougar offense, she scored five points in the quarter and ended up finishing the game with eleven. 

The defense for both teams was locked down to close out the first half. Neither team could find a groove offensively. Just six field goals between the two squads, to go with only two made free throws. It was a 32-11 halftime lead for the Lady Panthers.

Avery Simmons scored on back-to-back possessions to open up the second-half scoring for Park Hill South. It was soon answered by another Davis three pointer, which was her third of the night. At the end of three quarters, the Lady Panthers held a dominating 48-18 lead.

Five players scored for Park Hill South in the final quarter where they outscored Carnahan 14-0. The Lady Panthers took the win 62-18.

The Lady Panthers advance to the consolation finals tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. They will take on the winner of Norfork and Republic. The Lady Cougars will play for seventh place at 11 a.m. 

Box Score:
Park Hill South 22 | 10 | 16 | 14 | 62
Carnahan Prep 5 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 18

Leading Scorers:
PH South, Regan Williams (So.), 16
PH South, Avery Simmons (So.), 13
Carnahan, Xela Davis (So.), 11
PH South, Josie Ham (Jr.), 10
PH South, Tatum Kells (Jr.), 9

Republic, 67 Norfork (AR), 49 - Jan. 21, 2022

The No. 1 team in Arkansas' Class 1, Norfork, took on Missouri Class 6 No. 10 team Republic. 

The Lady Panthers scored the first two baskets of the game, and held a lead for over half of the first frame. Republic answered with an 8-0 run to take a 12-7 lead. Future Missouri State Lady Bear Kaemyn Bekemeier had 12 of the Lady Tigers' 19 in the quarter. Republic led by 8, but Norfork responded with a short 5-0 run to close out the quarter and the Lady Tigers held a 19-16 lead at the end of one.

Republic used a combination of suffocating defense and team offense to extend their lead into the halftime break, holding Norfork to just five points in the quarter, while having four different players score a basket.

It was another run for the Lady Tigers to start the second half, as they came out with a 7-0 run. 
However, the Lady Panthers responded and it was their star this time Keely Blanchard stepping up  and bringing Norfolk back within six. But, another explosion for Bekemeier in the quarter, this time with eleven points, helped keep the Republic ahead.

At the end of three, Republic led 50-41.

Rilynn Finley and Bekemeier combined for twelve points in the final quarter. The Lady Tigers cruised to a 64-47 win.

Republic will take on Park Hill South in the consolation finals. Norfork plays for seventh place against Carnahan Prep.

Box Score:
Republic 19 | 13 | 19 | 10 | 64
Norfolk 16 | 5 | 20 | 5 | 47

Leading Scorers:
Republic, Kaemyn Bekemeier (Jr.), 31
Republic, Rilynn Finley (So.), 15
Nor., Keely Blanchard (So.), 13
Nor., Kiley Alman (Jr.), 12
Nor., Jordan Rasmussen (Jr.), 8

Nixa 68, Webster Groves, 61 - Jan. 21, 2022

Class 6 No. 5 Nixa clashed with Class 5 No. 3 Webster Groves in the first semifinal of the night.

The Statesman got out to an early lead, thanks to the future Kansas State Lady Wildcat Eliza Maupin. A four-point play changed the tide of the game for the Lady Eagles. Drury signee Rhianna Gibbons drilled a corner three, and a free throw, giving Nixa the lead and all the momentum. Junior Norah Clark was a perfect six-for-six from the charity stripe in the quarter, leading Nixa to a 16-9 first-quarter advantage.

Nixa converted on four long balls in the second quarter, including two from Gibbons, one of which was a buzzer-beater to go into the break. Nixa headed into the locker room with a 31-23 lead. The Statesmen's attack was led by Maupin's six, all coming in the first quarter.

Thanks to a big quarter from Rockhurst signee Macie Conway, the Lady Eagles outscored Webster Groves 25-15 in the third quarter. Despite extending their lead to as much as 23, a Statesmen hit a career milestone. Maupin scored her 1,000th point on a fast-break layup towards the end of the quarter. 

It seemed as if the announcement gave Webster Groves a jolt of momentum. As they fought all the way back to make it just a single-digit lead for Nixa. 

However, the Lady Eagles shot 91% from the free throw line on the game, putting it on ice.

The Lady Eagles took the first spot in the championship game. They will play the winner of West Plains/Notre Dame CG at 3:30 p.m. Webster Groves will play for third place at 2 p.m.

Box Score:
Nixa 16 | 15 | 25 | 12 | 68
Webster Groves 9 | 14 | 15 | 23 | 61

Leading Scorers:
WG, Eliza Maupin (Sr.), 21
Nixa, Norah Clark (Jr.), 18
Nixa,  Macie Conway (Sr.), 16
Nixa, Rhianna Gibbons (Sr.), 15
WG, Jenna Clark (Sr.), 14
West Plains 54, Notre Dame (CG), 27 - Jan. 21, 2022

It was a battle of the top teams in Class 5 to end day two at the GNIT. No. 2 West Plains faced No. 4 Notre Dame for a spot in the championship game.

Ashton Judd led the way in this one for the Lady Zizzers. The senior forward showed why she is one of the best in the area, leading her team to a dominating 54-27 win in a potential Class 5 Final-Four matchup. 

West Plains' stellar defense was on full display in this one, holding the Lady Bulldogs to just ten first-half points and the Lady Zizzer led 30-10 at halftime. They continued to show their superiority on the defensive side, as they held the Bulldogs to seventeen in the second half. 

The Lady Zizzer won the game 54-27, securing a chance to defend their back-to-back tournament titles.

West Plains advances to face Class 6 No. 5 Nixa in the championship game at 3:30 p.m. Notre Dame will look to bounce back for third place against Webster Grove at 2 p.m., which entails another top-five matchup in their respective class.

Box Score:
West Plains 14 | 16 | 8 | 16 | 54
Notre Dame CG 5 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 27

Leading Scorers:
WP, Ashton Judd (Sr.), 25
WP, Allyssa Joyner (So.), 12
ND, Jenna Givens (Jr.), 8
ND, Lexi Rubel (So.), 8

Norfork (AR) 62, Carnahan Prep, 25 - Jan. 22, 2022

Norfork (AR) and Carnahan Prep opened up the final day of the GNIT battling for seventh place. 

The Lady Panthers scored the first 12 points of the game, as the team's star Keely Blanchard was off to a hot start. Carnahan's Xela Davis broke up the run with a three pointer. At the end of one, it was the all Lady Panthers, they led 24-5.

In the next quarter, Ashlyn Estes stepped up for Norfork with nine points in the quarter. This time it was a 16-2 advantage for the Lady Panthers, which took the game to halftime. 

Norfork led 40-7 at the break.

Davis opened up the second half on fire. She connected on four long balls, and led the Lady Cougars to their best quarter of the weekend. At the end of the third quarter, it was a 56-20 Norfork lead.

Both teams traded buckets towards the end of the fourth quarter, but the Lady Panthers claimed seventh place with a 61-25 win.

Box Score:
Norfork 24 | 16 | 16 | 5 | 61
Carnahan Prep 5 | 2 | 13 | 5 | 25

Leading Scorers:
Nor., Kiley Alman (Jr.), 15
CP, Xela Davis (Sr.), 15
Nor., Keely Blanchard (So.), 12
Nor., Josie Ham (Jr.), 11
Nor., Tatum Kells (Jr.), 8

Republic 66, Park HIll South 55 - Jan. 22, 2022 - Consolation Championship

The Republic Lady Tigers and Park Hill South Lady Panthers competed for the championship in the consolation bracket. 

The Lady Tigers used a pair of three pointers to open up the game on a 9-0 run. Avery Simmons kicked off the scoring for the Lady Panthers and broke up the run with a transition layup. Park Hill South's offense took a huge hit when their leading scorer Regan Williams was forced to check out with foul trouble. 

Republic had a dominating 21-6 lead at the end of one.

Republic's Kaemyn Bekemeier and Simmons would continue to go head-to-head. Bekemeier had seven in the quarter, while Simmons had eight. Park Hill South had free-throw shooting woes in the first half, going just 4-for-10 from the line. 

At the half, Republic held a 36-20 lead.

The halftime adjustments from Coach Josh Dorr were a success for the Lady Panthers. Williams began to score the basketball, and they finally found an answer defensively for Bekemeier, holding her to just two points in the third. Park Hill South finally cut into Republic's lead, as it was 46-34 heading into the final quarter. 

In the final quarter, the scoring was elite. However, with Williams fouling out, it made it hard to create separation for the Lady Panthers. The Lady Tigers would win the consolation final 66-55, behind Bekemeier's 28-point performance. Bekemeier was the tournament'' three-day leading scorer for the second-straight year, averaging 26 PPG. 

Box Score:
Republic 21 | 15 | 10 | 20 | 66
Park Hill South 6 | 14 | 14 | 21 | 55

Leading Scorers:
Republic, Kaemyn Bekemeier (Jr.), 28
PHS, Tatum Kells (Jr.), 12
PHS, Avery Simmons (So.), 12
Republic, Misora Nambara (So.), 11

Webster Groves 45, Cape Notre Dame, 40 - Jan. 22, 2022 - Third-Place Game

Webster Groves and Cape Notre Dame seeked to bounce back in the third-place game in the GNIT.

Notre Dame dominated the first quarter, behind a quartet of three pointers. It was Tori Rubel who stepped up in the first quarter, leading all scorers with five points.

The defensive effort was evident in the second quarter, as the teams combined for just seven field goals. At the end of the first half, it was Coach Boeller's' Lady Bulldogs with a seven-point lead. 

The Statesmen came out of the locker room ready to play. They climbed back into the game by doubling Notre Dame's third-quarter score at 14-7. Ellie Paloucek beat the buzzer to tie the game at 33 heading into the final quarter with a deep trey.

The fourth quarter was the Eliza Maupin show, as she scored six points and put Webster Groves in control. Their lead was as big as eight in the final quarter, and they claimed third place, winning 45-40. 

Cape Notre Dame was honored with the first-ever Denzil Morris Sportsmanship Award at the completion of the game.

Box Score:
Webster Groves 10 | 9 | 14 | 12 | 45
Cape Notre Dame 18 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 40

Leading Scorers:
WG, Eliza Maupin (Sr.), 18
ND, Jenna Givens (Jr.), 14
ND, Anna Garner (Jr.), 12
WG, Ellie Paloucek (Sr.), 12

West Plains 59, Nixa, 47 - Jan. 22, 2022 - Championship

Last year the final day of the GNIT brought the best matchup of the tournament, when West Plains claimed their second-straight championship in a 31-30 win over Nixa. With the move to an eight-team bracket this year, the two teams matched-up in a true championship game. 

Nixa held the lead for the majority of the first quarter. Sophomore Sadie Conway nailed a big three to help with the lead. But, with 1:53 left in the quarter, West Plains took the lead, behind the play of Alyssa Joyner, as she hit a three to give the Lady Zizzers' a 10-9 lead. West Plains would not look back from there, closing out the frame with a 16-9 lead. Joyner had eleven points in the quarter. 

Ashton Judd began to heat up after scoring just two points in the first quarter. Her first field goal of the night came when she banked in a three-pointer early in the second. Ali Kamies went 3-for-4 from behind the arc in the quarter, scoring eleven. It was the Lady Zizzers that held a 31-22 lead at halftime of the championship game.

Nixa gained some ground in the third quarter, using Rhianna Gibbons' long ball to gain some ground. Heading into the deciding quarter of action, the Lady Zizzers lead 42-32.

Despite Nixa cutting the lead to as little as six, they could never come closer. West Plains shot 11-for-15 from the free-throw line, icing their third-straight GNIT championship.

Box Score:
West Plains 16 | 15 | 11 | 17 | 59
Nixa 9 | 3 | 10 | 15 | 47

Leading Scorers:
WP, Ashton Judd (Sr.), 23
WP, Allyssa Joyner (So.), 22
Nixa, Ali Kamies (Sr.), 18
Nixa, Rhianna Gibbons (Sr.), 16