Updated Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 2:45 p.m.
Nixa Public Schools has released its dates, information, and brackets for the girls and boys basketball Nixa Invitational Tournament (NIT), presented by Arvest Bank.
2025 marks the inaugural year of the shot clock.Â
Below is all the pertinent information regarding both tournaments.
The 2025 Girls Nixa Invitational Tournament (GNIT) will be held from January 23-25.
The 2025 Boys Nixa Invitational Tournament (BNIT) will be held from Jan. 30 - Feb. 1.
Both tournaments will follow the traditional eight-team bracket format.
The girls tournament field features Batte, Cape Notre Dame, Fair Grove, Francis Howell Central, Helias Catholic, Nixa, Republic (defending champion), and Troy.
Click here for the GNIT bracket.
The 2023 and 2024 back-to-back Class 3 state champions Fair Grove Eagles (Class 3, No. 2) and Troy Trojans (Class 6, No. 9) are the lone teams ranked by the most recent Missouri Basketball Coaches Association (Jan. 20) polls.
Players ranked by Prep Girls Hoops MO competing in the tournament.
Class of the 2025:
No. 16, Ashton Bell, Fair Grove
No. 23, Brooke Daniels, Fair Grove
No. 28, Tayla Robinson, Battle
No. 78, Addy Ruffin, Nixa
No. 95, Abbey Green, Fair Grove
No. 115, Audrey Blaine, Francis Howell Central
No. 120, Karis Ferguson, Nixa (Evangel University Signee)
No. 138, Kenadi Harrison, Helias Catholic
No. 142, Ava Myers, Troy
No. 147, Lanney Strong, Republic
No. 148, Brooke Teter, Nixa
No. 173, Riley Hendersen, Francis Howell Central
Class of 2026:
No. 44, Taylor Wood, Nixa
No. 48, Kumani Clark, Battle
No. 75, Awbree Berning, Republic
No. 79, Mya Robinson, Troy
Class of 2027:
No. 15, Ellie Moore, Troy
No. 22, Grace Means, Troy
No. 23, Sway Jones, Battle
No. 89, Olivia Luebbering, Helias Catholic
Class of 2028:
No. 46, Brooklyn Griffith, Battle
The boys tournament field includes Cape Notre Dame, Hillcrest, Logan-Rogersville, Marquette, New Madrid (defending BNIT and Class 3 state champions), Nixa, Park Hill, and Winnetonka.
Click here for the BNIT bracket.
Nixa (Class 6, No. 7) and Logan-Rogersville (Class 4, No. 2) are the only teams in the top ten by the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association's Jan. 27 recent rankings. Winnetonka (Class 5) and Parkview (Class 5) received honorable mention.
Players ranked by Prep Boys Hoops MO competing in the tournament.
Class of 2025:
No. 23, Leo Gayman, Park Hill
No. 43, Cameron Jones, Park Hill
No. 83, Ryan Barnhart, Winnetonka
No. 113, Jack Prunty, Marquette
No. 118, Ra'Mond Brooks, New Madrid
No. 129, Tanner Hicks, Hillcrest
No. 186, Keivon Flint, Nixa
Class of 2026:
No. 33, Antonio Fowler, Winnetonka
No. 36, Brody Owen, Marquette
No. 37, Isaiah Caston, Park Hill
No. 42, Donnovan Fonville, Park Hill
No. 56, Alex Komorech, Marquette
No. 127, Marcus Moore, Logan-Rogersville
Class of 2027:
No. 2, Chase Braham, Logan-Rogersville
No. 13, Kyrese Simpson, Hillcrest
No. 14, Adam McKnight, Nixa
No. 43, Parker Hoffman, Marquette
No. 62, Ayden Lemons, Marquette
No. 52, Jaevyn Jones, Hillcrest
Class of 2028:
No. 2, Titus Moore, Logan-Rogersville
No. 9, Jayden Williams, New Madrid
Updated since announcement (Informed on Jan. 29): Due to excessive sickness in the New Madrid County school district, the school has been shut down, and the basketball team cannot participate in the tournament. Thus, the opening round between Nixa and New Madrid is canceled for Thursday, Jan. 30. Nixa receives a bye and moves to semifinals. The tournament staff will have Springfield area teams participate on the consolation side of the bracket on Friday and Saturday. Springfield Central will play on the consolation side against Marquette/Park Hill on Friday, Jan. 31, at 5:30pm. For Saturday's 7th place game at 11 a.m., Lighthouse Academy will fill that slot.
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General NIT Information:
Admission to the tournament is as followed:Â
- Adult (College/Up): $4
- Student (1st-12th): $2
- Senior Citizen: Free
Passes that are not accepted are MTSA member cards, COC Passes, or other similar type of passes.
The Nixa Live Production students will broadcast every girls and boys game throughout the NIT on the Nixa Public Schools YouTube channel. You can access the link below.
Live game updates will be available on the Nixa Athletics social media (Facebook, Instagram, X). Follow @nixaathletics to stay updated.
Tournament updates, daily scores, top performances, and brief recaps will be posted on our website below each day, along with social media channels.Â
Concessions will be available, and credit cards will be accepted.
Tournament programs will be available on-site and digitally.
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.
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Important Tournament Links:
2025 GNIT Bracket
2025 BNIT Bracket
Admissions Link
Live Stream Link
Nixa Athletics Twitter
Nixa Athletics Facebook
Nixa Athletics Instagram
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Boys Updates:
Day 1 - Thursday, Jan. 30 Results:
Winnetonka 61, Hillcrest 46
Rogersville 76, Cape ND 35
Park Hill 81, Marquette 56
Friday, Jan. 31 Schedule (Semifinals):
Consolation Semifinal No. 1: Hillcrest vs. Cape Notre Dame | 4 p.m.
Consolation Semifinal No. 2: Spfd. Central vs. Marquette | 5:30 p.m.
Championship Semifinal No. 1: Nixa vs. Park Hill | 7 p.m.
Championship Semifinal No. 2: Winnetonka vs. Rogersville | 8:30 p.m.
Day 2 - Friday, Jan. 31 Results:
Hillcrest 60, Cape ND 57
Marquette 71, Spfd. Central 66
Park Hill 74, Nixa 70 (OT)
Rogersville 58, Winnetonka 55
Saturday, Feb. 1 Schedule (Championships):
7th Place: Cape Notre Dame vs. Lighthouse Christian Academy | 11 a.m.
Consolation Championship: Hillcrest vs. Marquette | 12:30 p.m.
3rd Place: Winnetonka vs. Nixa | 2 p.m.
Championship: Rogersville vs. Park Hill | 3:30 p.m.
Day 3Â - Saturday, Feb. 1Â Results:
Lighthouse Christian Academy 62, Cape Notre Dame 61
Consolation Championship: Hillcrest 64, Marquette 58
3rd Place Game: Nixa 76, Winnetonka 58
Championship: Rogersville 72, Park Hill 55
Day 1 Top 5 Leading Scorers:
25, Cameron Jones (Sr.), Park Hill
22, Leo Gayman (Sr.), Park Hill
22, Alex Komorech (Jr.), Marquette
21, Chase Braham (So.), Rogersville
21, Antonio Fowler (Jr.), Winnetonka
Day 2 Top 5 Leading Scorers:
33, Chase Braham (So.), Rogersville
27, Kyrese Simpson (So.), Hillcrest
25, Alex Komorech (Jr.), Marquette
24, Kolton Johnson (Sr.), Cape Notre Dame
23, Keivon Flint (Sr.), Nixa
Day 3Â Top 5 Leading Scorers:
31, Kolton Johnson (Sr.), Cape Notre Dame
27, Kyrese Simpson (So.), Hillcrest
27, Chase Braham (So.), Rogersville
21, Brody Owen (Jr.), Marquette
20, Brett Dohogne (Sr.), Cape Notre Dame
Top 5 BNIT Leading Scorers After Day 2:
25 PPG, Chase Braham (So.), Rogersville
23.5 PPG, Alex Komorech (Jr.), Marquette
21.5 PPG, Leo Gayman (Sr.), Park Hill
21 PPG, Kyrese Simpson (So.), Hillcrest
20 PPG, Cameron Jones (Sr.), Park Hill
Overall Top 5 BNIT Leading Scorers:
27Â PPG, Chase Braham (So.), Rogersville
24Â PPG, Kyrese Simpson (So.), Hillcrest
20.3 PPG, Kolton Johnson (Sr.), Cape Notre Dame
19 PPG, Cameron Jones (Sr.), Park Hill
17.3 PPG, Alex Komorech (Jr.), Marquette
Team Leaders:
PPG Leaders After Day 1:
81, Park Hill
79, Rogersville
Points Allowed After Day 1:
35, Rogersville
46, Winnetonka
PPG Leaders After Day 2:
77.5, Park Hill
67, Rogersville
Points Allowed After Day 2:
45, Rogersville
52, Winnetonka
Overall BNIT PPG Leaders:
73, Nixa
60, Park Hill
Overall BNIT Points Allowed:
48.3, Rogersville
58.7, Hillcrest
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Final Standings:
1. Rogersville
2. Park Hill
3. Nixa
4. Winnetonka
5. Hillcrest
6. Marquette
7. Cape ND
Updated Bracket After Day 1
Updated Bracket After Day 2
2025 Final Bracket
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Game Recaps:
Day 1Â
Game 1
Winnetonka 61 vs Hillcrest 46Â - Jan. 30, 2025
By: Jason Stringer, Nixa Public Schools
In a matchup of two Class 5 teams, the Winnetonka Griffins, reigning from the Kansas City region, picked up an impressive round-one win over the Springfield Hillcrest Hornets to open up the 2025 Boys Nixa Invitational Tournament (BNIT), defeating the Hornets 61-46.
The Hornets point guard Taner Hicks started off this game with the first points, with the help of his front-court running mate Kyrese Simpson's steal on the other end of the court. The two finished with 15 points to lead the Hornets.
DJ Coleman would soon respond for the Griffins with two layups. Then, after a couple of back-and-forth possessions, Ryan Barnhart would hit a 3-pointer for the first of his 15 points, which sparked a short 7-2 run.
Both teams showcased excellent defense ending the first, as there were only a combined five points in the final three and a half minutes of play. Winnetonka led 14-8 heading into the next period.
After a minute and a half into the second quarter, the Griffins Darieon Carter drained a deep ball to begin the scoring. However, Hillcrest put together a run that kept the Hornets battling. Points from Simpson, Jayven Jones, and Hicks, made it only a one-possession game for Hillcrest, trailing 17-15 with 4 minutes remaining in the half.
Winnetonka would respond quickly. Barnhart answered with a floater, which sparked a 9-0 for the Griffins. Hillcrest would end the half carrying a little momentum with Jones and Hicks getting buckets to end the half, but it was Winnetonka leading at the break 26-19.
In the opening stages of the second half, Hicks and Levi Romero brought Hillcrest within three points, but Winnetonka, like the Griffins had all game, responded with a run. Antonio Fowler made a tough finish over a Hornets defender, beginning an 8-0 run that was capped off by a Barnhart trey halfway through the third.
It was Hillcrest's turn for a run. The Hornets mimicked the Griffins with an 8-0 run of its own, cutting down the deficit to 34-31, but that would be the closest margin they would get to the lead for the remainder of the game.
Winnetonka closed out the third period on an 8-2 run, ultimately gaining a foothold in the game. In the fourth quarter, the Griffins outscored Hillcrest 19-13, to secure the 61-46 victory and a trip to the semifinal against the winner of Rogersville and Cape Notre Dame.
Despite the valiant effort from Hicks and Simpson, the Hornets drop to the consolation bracket vs. the loser of Rogersville and Cape Notre Dame.
Box Score:
Winnetonka 14 | 12 | 16 | 19 | 61
Hillcrest 8 | 11 | 14 | 13 | 46
Leading Scorers:
Winnetonka, Antiono Fowler (Jr.), 21
Winnetonka, Ryan Barnhart (Sr.), 15
Hillcrest, Taner Hicks (Sr.), 15
Hillcrest, Kyrese Simpson (So.), 15
Winnetonka, Jaylen Craig (Sr.), 10
Hillcrest, Jayven Jones (So.), 10
Day 1Â
Game 2
Rogersville 76, Cape Notre Dame 35 - Jan. 30, 2025
By: Brady Retone, Student Intern
The Rogersville Wildcats and the Cape Notre Dame (Cape ND) Bulldogs was the second contest of the opening night. The No. 2-ranked team in Class 4 Rogersville advanced to the semifinal after a blowout win over Notre Dame (CG), running by the Bulldogs 81-56.Â
Highly sought-after prospect sophomore Chase Branham led the Wildcats to victory with 21 points, 17 of which came in the first half alone.
It was a back-and-forth contest in the first, with Branham drilling a three to break the tie.
After a lengthy final four minutes of play from both squads, a controversial call occurred when Beau Watts scored as the buzzer went off. It appeared the ball was still in the hand as it sounded, but the basket counted, and pushed the Wildcats ahead 23-17.
Rogersville kicked off the second similar to the first, with a 13-0 run ending with a Sutton Shook corner three, giving the Wildcats a commanding 39-17 lead. The Bulldogs stopped the run 3-pointer of its own from Logan Landwee and a freebie from Brett Dohogne, but Shook swished home a wing trey, sending Rogersville into the break leading by 25.
Shook and Branham carried the Wildcats in the first half with 32 combined points, while the defense shut down the Bulldog's offense, only allowing six second-quarter points. Shook drained four of his five 3-pointers alone in the second quarter, finishing with 17 in the game.
The Wildcats dominance on the defensive end continued out of the break. Again, Rogersville held Cape ND to just six points, four of which came from Dohogne who had Bulldog high 16 points. The Wildcats outscored Cape ND 16-6 in the period
Rogersville did not let up defensively in the fourth, as the Wildcats once again only allowed six points quarter and used lengthy possessions on the offensive end to melt the clock.
The Wildcats meet the Winnetonka Griffins in the semifinal game, while Cape ND drops left vs. Hillcrest.
Box Score:
Rogersville 23 | 25 | 16 | 12 | 76
Cape ND 17 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 35
Leading Scorers:
Rogersville, Chase Branham (So.), 21
Rogersville, Sutton Shook (Jr.), 17
Notre Dame, Brett Dohogne (Sr.), 16
Rogersville, Titus Moore (Fr.), 11
Rogersville, Jase Pettifurd (Sr.), 9
Day 1Â
Game 3
Park Hill 81, Marquette 56 - Jan. 30, 2025
By: Aiden Hopkins, Student Intern
Two Class 6 teams with over 10 wins clashed in the third game, as the Park Hill Trojans (Kansas City) prevailed over the Marquette Mustangs (St. Louis) 81-56.
It only took Park Hill 30 seconds to make a statement in the 98th Annual Nixa Invitational Tournament. The Trojans 6-foot-5 senior forward Leo Gayman made a deep three, setting the tone early. A trade of field goals between the Mustangs and Trojans put the game at 5-4, favoring Park Hill. Gayman struck again with another 3-pointer, extending the lead to four.
On the other side, it was Marquette's big man, 6-foot-6 junior forward Alex Komorech, who kept the Mustangs battling all game until Park Hill eventually pulled away in the fourth quarter. Komorech got on the board early, scoring four of the Mustangs' first six, and finished with a team-high 22 points.Â
Mustangs' guard Brody Owen gave Marquette its first lead of the night with a contested transition three, making the game 9-8 with 5:30 remaining in the opening period. However, it was short-lived.Â
Back-and-forth buckets between the two teams, including another 3-pointer from Gayman tied the game at 15 with 2:30 remaining in the first. From there, both offenses were held in check.
The second quarter started with an Owen three, giving Marquette the lead, but Park Hill's defense settled in and began making the essential stops. The Trojans went on to outscore the Mustangs 22-9 in a quarter full of lock-down defense and transition baskets. Senior captain Cam Jones began to emerge for the Trojans, as Jones would score eight of his game-high 25 points in the period, including converting an and-one play that sparked a Trojan run midway through the second.
Park Hill led 37-24 at halftime.
Jones carried that momentum out of the intermission and began to take full control in the third quarter, as he nailed a quick three to extend Park Hill's lead to 16.
But, on the back of Komorech who scored nine points in the third, Marquette would not go down easy. A 5-0 run from the Mustangs, capped off by a Komorech 3-point jumper, would cut the lead to 11, but once again, Jones would spoil the fun by hitting yet bucket.
Both teams continued to exchange baskets. Max Radovilky brought the Mustangs within six with under three minutes to go, but the third quarter ended exactly as the second quarter did - with a 13-point lead favoring the Trojans - which started and ended with Jones.
Park Hill entered the final frame with a 55-42 advantage, and the Trojans put an exclamation mark on an already impressive day. The Trojans had their best offensive output and outscored the Mustangs 26-12, with multiple highlight-reel dunks from Javon Washington, cementing the 81-56 victory. Washington, Jones, and Gayman all scored in double digits.
Park Hill tallied the most team points of the three-opening games and advances to the semifinals against the tournament host, while Marquette slides to the consolation side against Springfield Central. Central is a fill-in team for New Madrid, who was a last-minute scratch from the tournament.
Box Score:
Park Hill 15 | 22 | 18 | 26 | 81
Marquette 15 | 9 | 18 | 12 | 54
Leading Scorers:
Park Hill, Cam Jones (Sr.), 25
Park Hill, Leo Gayman (Sr.), 22
Marquette, Alex Komorech (Jr.), 22
Park Hill, Javon Washington (Jr.), 15
Marquette, Brody Owen (Jr.), Jack Britt (Jr.), 8
Day 2
Game 1
Hillcrest 60, Cape Notre Dame 57 - Jan. 31, 2025
By: Jason Stringer, Nixa Public Schools
In the first game of the consolation bracket, Hillcrest survived a comeback bid attempt against Cape Notre Dame (Cape ND). Hillcrest's back-court duo of Kyrese Simpson and Taner Hicks combined for 46 points, leading the Hornets to a 60-57 victory.Â
After a slow first two minutes of the game, Simpson found the game's first points on a floater. Cape ND would soon follow when Brett Dohogne gets fouled going up for a layup and makes both his free throws. He would end up with 12 points on the night.
A couple of possessions later, the Bulldogs found themselves with an early 12-4 lead, capped off by a Kolton Johnson jumper. The Hornets junior James Collins would quickly respond with a pull-up floater to spark an 8-2 run to end the first quarter, but Hillcrest still trailed 14-12.
Hicks kickstarted the quarter with a big 3-pointer, putting Hillcrest ahead for the first time since the beginning of the game. After a defensive stop, Simpson sank another deep ball for the Hornets making it a two-possession advantage. Simpson would end up with 27, Hicks would end with 19.
It was the Cape ND's turn for a run next. Trenton Schumacker found an easy layup off an inbound pass to start six unanswered points for the Bulldogs as they retook the lead with 3:43 left in the half. But Hillcrest's duo struck again. Simpson and Hicks scored back-to-back points, bringing the game in the Hornets favor.Â
Momentum swung back and forth the rest of the half, and Hillcrest carried a 30-25 lead, lead into the break, with Simpson and Hicks scoring 26 of the team's 30.
The Hornets came out of the locker room hot shooting the ball. Dylan Kirby made a 3-pointer putting the exclamation on an 11-2 Hillcrest run, upping its advantage to giving them a 41-27.
Johnson eventually ended the drought for the Bulldogs, which started a competitive end to the game, as Hillcrest went into the fourth quarter leading 47-35.
Late into the fourth quarter, Hillcrest obtained its biggest lead of the night, 55-39, with 4 minutes remaining. However, Johnson halted it again, as he sank another three to catapult a 14-2 run for the Bulldogs, and just like that, Cape ND was right back into the game, only trailing by four, 57-53.
Cape ND began intentionally fouling and sent Simpson to the charity stripe where he would make both of his attempts. The two pointers were matched by Johnson with a floater.
Then, Simpson headed to the line, again, but this time was unsuccessful, and the Bulldog took advantage. Brody Harden scored quickly on the other end, making it a two-point game with a minute remaining.Â
Both defenses were lock down during the final stretch, not allowing a single basket for the remainder of the game. Hicks ended up making a free throw with 23 seconds left, which would be the final point of the game, sending Hillcrest to the 60-57 triumph and fifth place game vs. Marquette.
Despite a valiant effort from Kolton Johnson's 24-point performance, Cape ND drops to the seventh-place game vs. Lighthouse Christian Academy, who is fill in for New Madrid.
Box Score:
Hillcrest 12 | 18 | 17 | 13 | 60
Cape ND 14 | 11 | 10 | 22 | 57
Leading Scorers:
Hillcrest, Kyrese Simpson (So.), 27
Hillcrest, Taner Hicks (Sr.), 19
Cape ND, Kolton Johnson (Sr.), 24
Cape ND, Brody Harden (Sr.), 13
Cape ND, Brett Dohogne (Sr.), 12
Day 2Â
Game 2
Marquette 71, Central 66 - Jan. 31, 2025
By: Brady Retone, Student Intern
The Marquette Mustangs had a strong rebound and grabbed their first win of the 2025 BNIT, with a 71-66 victory over fill-in team Springfield Central.
The Mustangs star big-man Alex Komorech was a handful for the Bulldogs to manage and pushed his way through the game with key buckets and finished with a game-high 25 points.
The first quarter featured an offensive display, as both teams were high-paced up and down the court in an exchange of baskets but it was the Mustangs who held a slim 22-20 advantage after the first.
Mustangs got rolling early in the second with a 7-0 run, with baskets from Komorech and Brody Owen, and a deep 3-pointer from Max Radovilsky. The run was ended when Springfield Central's Tryton Jackson had a takeaway and an easy layup on the other end.
The Bulldogs' Keion Epps kept Central in the game and did not allow Marquette to pull away. The star point guard scored six in the second, four of which came in the final two minutes of the first half, and brought Central within five going into the intermission. Epps received five points in the period from his running-mate Jordan Pittman.
Out of the break, Marquette, led by the hot hands of Owen, Prunty, and Komorech, took its first double-digit lead of the night with 3:25 left in the third. Owen (2) and Prunty made big 3-point shots, and it was Prunty's trey that extended Marquette's lead to 53-42. Komorech added an additional six inside the paint. His last bucket to end the third kept Marquette up 11, 59-48, heading into the game's final period.
Central would not back down, due in large part to Epps and Donovan Martin, who led a 12-2 run in the fourth to bring the game within one point, pushing towards the tail end of the game. The Bulldogs outscored the Mustangs 18-12 in the fourth, and Martin (9) and Epps (5), combined for 14 of those points.
But Radovilsky iced the game at the free-throw line, bringing the game to a five-point cushion, and sending the Mustangs a 71-66 victory and onto the consolation championship for a matchup with Hillcrest.
Box Score:
Marquette 22 | 20 | 17 | 12 | 71
Central 20 | 17 | 11 | 18 | 66
Leading Scorers:
Marquette, Alex Komorech (Jr.), 25
Central, Keion Epps (Sr.), 22
Marquette, Brody Owens (Jr.), 17
Marquette, Max Radovilsky (Sr.), 12
Central, Jordan Pittman (Sr.), 12
Day 2
Game 3
Park Hill 74, Nixa 70 (OT) - Jan. 31, 2025
By: Aiden Hopkins, Student Intern
The first semifinal of the 98th Annual Nixa Invitational Tournament did not disappoint. It was an overtime thriller between two Class 6 schools ranked in the top 10: the host Nixa Eagles (No. 7) and the Park Hill Trojans (HM).
Both offenses struggled to find points in the early stages of the first, with defenses on full display. Three minutes into the game, Park Hill took a 7-0 lead with baskets from Isaiah Caston, Donnovan Fonville, and Leo Gayman.Â
It took over four minutes for Nixa to tally points. Bryce Foster banked in a 3-pointer, which ignited a 16-4 lead to end the first. Foster's trey started a domino effect for his teammates, as Kevion Flint, Jaise Combs, and Ty Kellis all hit from behind the arc. Combs' three sent Nixa into the second leading 16-11.
Flint propelled Nixa into intermission with a double-digit lead. The senior point guard would score nine of his game and career-high 23 points, as the Eagles outscored Park Hill 19-14 in the second period. In the closing seconds of the first half, Nixa gave Flint the isolation, and he drove to the bucket and converted a heavily-contested shot off the glass to give the Eagles a 35-25 advantage at halftime.
Out of the break, it was the Flint brother's show. Keivon and his younger brother Randy combined for 16 of the Eagles 21 points in the third quarter, as both dropped eight. Keivon did the damage with the long ball, scoring six of eight from behind the arc, and Randy, with his defensive efforts, scored inside the arc on the majority of transition opportunities. One of Keivon's 3-pointers and an Adam McKnight layup with less than two minutes left in the third would put the Eagles up 54-38, giving the Nixa its largest lead of the game.Â
A 5-0 run by the Trojans, which eventually was shut down by a Keivon Flint layup before the quarter ended, putting the Eagles ahead 56-43 heading into the final frame.
In the fourth quarter, Park Hill slowly cut its way back into the game, due in large part to Cameron Jones's defensive efforts, second-chance opportunities, and Leo Gayman's inside presence. The Trojans started the fourth on a 6-0 run, capped off by Caston to Jones alley-oop, which forced an Eagles timeout ahead 56-49.Â
Coming out of the timeout, the Trojans had every ounce of momentum and scored eight unanswered points, including a Caston 3-pointer that gave Park Hill its first lead since the middle of the first quarter.Â
But the Eagles would not go down easy, as a quick response from Adam McKnight would even the ballgame at 59 and three minutes remaining.
After a few scoreless possessions by each team, Keivon Flint would strike again, breaking the tie with a tough reverse layup putting the Eagles up a deuce with two left, but Jones knotted the score back square at 61 on the ensuing possession.
With 46.1 remaining, McKnight put the Eagles ahead 63-61. Nixa's defense forced a crucial Park Hill turnover with 25.7 left. Then, the Eagles would head to the charity stripe, where Nixa was sent twice, and made one of four and gave Park Hill a chance to even the contest yet again.Â
And, the junior point guard Caston did so, as he hit a corner 3-pointer with five seconds left, coming from an assist from Gayman, sending the game to overtime. Nixa had a last-second shot attempt from Jaise Combs fall short.
Overtime featured a minute of scoreless basketball. Then, both teams exchanged points on their possessions, and it was a 66-66 game with 2:50 on the clock. Park Hill netted four unanswered points from the free-throw lines with makes from Jones and Caston, giving the two-possession advantage to the Trojans with two minutes left.
Eagles tied the contest up with 1:28, as McKnight scored two points on back-to-back possessions, courtesy of a layup and two freebies.
Gayman put Park Hill back ahead with a put-back tip-in and eventually corralled an Eagles missed shot with 6.7 seconds, and iced the game with two free throws, concluding his 21-point performance.Â
Alongside Gayman, the Trojans had double-digit outings from Caston (15), Jones (15), and Fonville (14), propelling Park Hill to the championship game.
Box Score:
Park Hill 11 | 14 | 18 | 21 | 10 | 74
Nixa 16 | 19 | 21 | 8 | 6 | 70
Leading Scorers:
Nixa, Keivon Flint (Sr.), 23
Park Hill, Leo Gayman (Sr.), 21
Park Hill, Cameron Jones (Sr.), 15
Park Hill, Isaiah Caston (Jr.), 15
Park Hill, Donnovan Fonville (Jr.), 14
Nixa, Randy Flint (Jr.), 14
Day 2
Game 4
Rogersville 58, Winnetonka 55 - Jan. 31, 2025
By: Alex Stein, Nixa Public Schools
Two teams coming off final four runs a season ago met for the last spot in the championship game vs. Park Hill.Â
The Rogersville Wildcats, 3rd place in Class 4, and the Winnetonka Griffins, 4th place in Class 5, provided a nailbiter until the final horn, with Rogersville prevailing 58-55.
The Wildcats sophomore sensation Chase Branham accounted for half of the team's points, scoring 33. His presence was felt all game long by Winnetonka, who carried a 16-12 lead after the first quarter with five different Griffins getting baskets.
In a back-and-forth first half, Winnetonka led 31-30 at the intermission, and Branham was up to 19 points. The Griffins Malik McGinnis and Hunter Harian combined for 11 points in the second quarter in attempting to keep up with Branham. Harian was successful in an and-one attempt that pushed Winneonka's lead to the largest of the half (6) 24-18 midway through the second quarter.Â
On the ensuing possession, Braham brought the Wildcats within two. He made a shot while being fouled, missed the free throw, but grabbed his rebound and scored an easy two. The Wildcats later went ahead with baskets from Titus Moore.
Rogersville had the lead with three seconds left in the first half, but McGinnis intercepted an inbounds pass and quickly made a layup before the buzzer, sending his team into halftime with a one-point lead.
The third quarter was all Wildcats. Its hard-nosed defense, Branham's nine points, and Moore's five helped outscore Winnetonka 14-8 in the period. Moore and Branham sank 3-pointers on back-to-back Wildcat possessions to push Rogersville ahead 40-32, the largest lead and a turning point in the game.
The game favored Rogersville 44-39 heading into the game's final eight minutes.
Following a quick two from Moore, Winnetonka had a 7-0 run, kickstarted from a corner 3-pointer from Antonio Fowler, and he eventually tied the game with a transition layup two minutes into the fourth, forcing a Rogersville timeout. Fowler single-handily kept the Griffins fighting, as he scored all of his 10 points in the fourth.
Moore regained the Wildcats lead out of the timeout with a quick two. A few possessions later, Branham extended the Rogersville advantage to five, as he grabbed an offensive rebound, absorbed the contact from three Griffin defenders, and made the putback while being fouled.Â
Successful from the line, Rogersville carried a 52-47 lead with 3:30 left.
Fowler answered with two, but once again, Branham stormed the offensive boards and banked in another shot midair, putting the Wildcats ahead 54-49. But, the Griffins Carson Ford sank a three, providing for a thrilling ending in a one-possession game and two minutes on the clock.
The Griffins defense kept Rogersville off the board and forced a turnover with 1:30 left, and Fowler struck again, tying the game with two free throws as the Wildcats attempted to draw a charge but was called against them.Â
Each team went one of two from the charity stripe on their next possession keeping the contest even.
With 19.5 left, Rogersville's Dane Smith found an open lane and made an easy layup, and the Wildcats were back up two. Winnetonka rushed a deep 3-pointer that missed everything, sending Rogersville to the line where the Wildcats only made one and 9.4 was remaining.Â
McGinnis had a clear look to tie the game from behind the arc but missed wide left, and the Wildcats survived 58-55.
Box Score:
Rogersville 12 | 18 | 14 | 14 | 58
Winnetonka 16 | 15 | 8 | 16 | 55
Leading Scorers:
Rogersville, Chase Branham (So.), 33
Rogersville, Titus Moore (Fr.), 15
Winnetonka, Jaylen Craig (Sr.), 13
Winnetonka, Antonio Fowler (Jr.), 10
Winntonka, Ryan Barnhart (Sr.), 9
Day 3
Game 1 - 7th Place
Lighthouse Christian 62, Cape Notre Dame 61 - Feb. 1, 2025
By: Brady Retone, Student Intern
Lighthouse Christian enjoyed a one-point victory as a fill-in team in the seventh-place contest vs. Cape Notre Dame (Cape ND), with three Chargers scoring in double figures helping secure a 62-61 win.
Despite the 31-point effort from the senior guard Kolton Johnson, the Bulldogs could not hold onto the lead in the final moments of the game.
Johnson had 10 points in the opening quarter but still saw his team down on the scoreboard 23-14, much in large part to Lighthouse's widespread scoring of Elijah Rahn, Lee Stinson, and Judah Louderback. The three had 18 of the 23 points, including four 3-pointers.
In the second quarter, the Bulldogs outscored the Chargers 23-18. Johnson converted on two deep balls and added an additional four points in the period, but his running mate Brett Dohogne helped keep the game within two possessions for the majority of the period. Dohogne's eight points in the frame cut the Bulldogs deficit to 41-37 at the half.Â
Stinson buried a pair of 3s, upping his game count to four, and keeping the Chargers ahead.Â
Scoring was no issue for Lighthouse to start the second half. Following a freebie by the Bulldogs, Rahn kicked off a 9-0 run for Lighthouse, and Louderback put the Charges up double digits, 52-42, with a wing-deep ball midway through the third.
But the game's trend changed quickly in the final three minutes. Johnson single-handedly put the Bulldogs on his back and scored 10 unanswered points, including a deep 3-pointer to even the contest late in the period.
Two free throws by Orin Stinson before the quarter ended gave the Chargers a two-point advantage.
The Bulldogs start was strong in the fourth, as they scored six straight, coming from Dohogne, Brody Harden, and Trenton Schumacker, without an ounce of noise from the Charger offense.
Cape ND led 58-54 two and half minutes into the fourth. But, over two minutes of scoreless basketball gave Lighthouse hope.Â
Rahn broke the stalemate with a tough-contested layup around Bulldog defenders, evening the score at 58-58. Dohogne nailed a 3-pointer on the ensuing possession to put the home team on the scoreboard ahead with under three minutes left.Â
Over a minute went by without a basket. Lee Stinson broke the drought with a put-back shot, making it a one-point contest, and the game would go down to the charity stripe.Â
Turnovers were forced on each team's offensive possession, and with 45 seconds left on the clock, Cape ND missed a layup, and the Chargers grabbed the board.
On the ensuing possession, Louderback was fouled on a steal attempt and sank both shots, ultimately sealing his team's 62-61 victory.
The Chargers defense was suffocating in the final 24 seconds and did not allow a clear look at the basket, eventually poking the ball away and forcing the turnover, celebrating in triumph.
Kolton Johnson had a valiant effort all tournament and left it all out on the court for his Bulldogs. Johnson ended as the third-best scorer in a three-game span, totaling 61 points (20.3 PPG). Brett Dohogne average 16 PPG.Â
Box Score:
Lighthouse Christian 23 | 18 | 13 | 8 | 62
Cape Notre Dame 14 | 23 | 15 | 9 | 61
Leading Scorers:
Cape Notre Dame, Kolton Johnson (Sr.), 31
Cape Notre Dame, Brett Dohogne (Sr.), 20
Lighthouse Christian, Elijah Rahn (Sr.), 19
Lighthouse Christian, Lee Stinson (Jr.), 17
Lighthouse Christian, Judah Louderback (Sr.), 10
Day 3
Game 2 - Consolation Championship
Hillcrest 64, Marquette 58 - Feb. 1, 2025
By: Jason Stringer, Nixa Public Schools
The Hillcrest Hornets defeated the Maquette Mustangs 64-58 with a big offensive production from its trio of Kyrese Simpson, Levi Romero, and Taner Hicks, accounting for the majority of the Hornets points, to capture fifth place in the 2025 BNIT.
Marquette's Mekel Newsome scored the game's first points on a layup. Hicks answered with a jumper to respond, which led both to an exchange of buckets to begin the contest. The Mustangs scored 10 unanswered points, as Brody Owen had 8 of the 10, including a pair of 3s, giving his squad an early 14-6 late in the first period.
Ending the first, the Hornets trailed 16-11, but the highlight moment came when Hicks reached a career milestone as the senior would hit a turn-around jumper to surpass his 1000th career point.
The Hornets rapidly made it a one-possession game as Romero, who finished with 12 points, swished home a 3-pointer coming off an inbounds pass to begin the second. But Owen responded again, drilling his third trey of the game from the wing. Both teams continued to trade bucket-for-bucket as the quarter progressed.
With 40 seconds left in the half, the Mustangs had a 10-point lead, but Simpson would spark some magic for the Hornets. The sophomore guard hit a layup through contact, stole the inbound pass, and converted it into three points with a successful and-one play, bringing the game within five.
Marquette led 33-28 at the intermission.
Hillcrest carried the momentum coming out of the locker room and had its best quarter of basketball, outscoring the Mustangs 20-12 in the frame, nine of which came Simpson.Â
James Collins sank a deep ball 50 seconds into the third quarter, sparking a 7-1 run to eventually take the lead, 35-34. However, it was short-lived, as the Mustangs' 6-foot-6 big man Alex Komorech showcased his range with a 3-pointer, putting Marquette back ahead 37-35, and soon led by four midway through the third.
Yet again, Simpson swung momentum late in the period, as he scored seven consecutive points, including a buzzer-beater at the conclusion to give Hillcrest the 48-45 lead entering the fourth.
The fourth quarter started slowly, with only five points scored in three minutes, one free throw from the Hornets and four by the Mustangs, which evened the contest at 49-49.Â
Then, the action began. Four lead changes tied the game at 55 with roughly over a minute remaining.
Simpson came through in the clutch one last time. He would hit a turn-around 3-pointer off an inbound pass to put the Hornets ahead, while his team made big-time defensive stops.Â
Eventually, Hicks iced the game from the charity stripe where he made both attempts to conclude his 11-point night, extending the lead to five with 30 seconds on the clock.Â
On the next possession, Owens made his fourth deep ball but was called for a reach-in foul on the defensive end, sending Simpson to the line where he went one of two. He made two additional free throws in garbage time, capping off his game-high 27-point outing and fifth-place trophy.
Kyrese Simpson's offensive abilities were on full showcase throughout the tournament. The sophomore guard had two 27-point performances, helping him finish with 69 total points as the second-best scorer averaging 23 PPG. His running mate Taner Hicks finished the tournament averaging 15 PPG.
For Marquette, Alex Komorech finished as the tournament's fifth-top scorer, totaling 52 points (17.3 PPG), while Brody Owen averaged 15.3 PPG.
Box Score:
Hillcrest 11 | 17 | 20 | 16 | 64
Marquette 16 | 17 | 12 | 13 | 58
Leading Scorers:
Hillcrest, Kyrese Simpson (So.), 27
Marquette, Brody Owen (Jr.), 21
Marquette, Keiran Burnett (So.), 16
Marquette, Mekel Newsome (Sr.), 12
Hillcrest, Levi Romero (Sr.), 12
Day 3
Game 3 - 3rd Place
Nixa 76, Winnetonka 58 - Feb. 1, 2025
By: Alex Stein, Nixa Public Schools
After dropping a heartbreaking overtime semifinal contest, the Nixa Eagles had a dominating response in the third-place game, defeating the Winnetonka Griffins 76-58.
The Eagles jumped out to a quick double-digit lead after the first quarter, outscoring the Griffins 23-13 in the opening period. Jaise Combs alone almost outscored Winnetonka, as the senior forward had 12 points, including a pair of 3-pointers. Combs second trey gave Nixa a 19-9 advantage with two minutes left, which was his last points until his two free throws in the fourth quarter.
Nixa's offense continued to roll in the second quarter. Ty Kellis pushed the Eagles advantage to 15 by capping off a 5-0 run with a drive and finis at the hoop two minutes into the period. Kellis scored the next five Eagle points keeping the game a double-digit lead. He went on to lead team with a game-high 19 points.Â
Following a free throw by Randy Flint to end the second quarter, Nixa went into the intermission leading 39-22.
The Griffins came out of the break with its most efficient quarter of basketball. Winnetonka's defense kept Nixa in check, only allowing a Flint 3-pointer in the first four minutes of the second half, while going on an 8-3 run on the offensive end. The Eagles managed just six additional points in the third from Kellis (4) and Keivon Flint (2).
A pair of 3s from Ryan Barnhart and Antonio Fowler cut its deficit to 42-30 midway through the third. Jaylen Craig drilled a heavily-contested 3-pointer while falling down for the quarter's final points, helping return the game back within in single digits, 48-39, entering the fourth.
Nixa returned back to its offensive ways in the fourth quarter, erupting for 28 points. Winnetonka had its highest-scoring period as well, but its early deficit was to much to overcome.
Winnetonka owned the opening minutes of the fourth and came within six, 58-52, following a successful and-one play from Fowler. However, that eventually was the closest margin the Griffins would get in tying or taking the lead.Â
Nixa quickly responded with a 6-0 run, with four points coming from Adam McKnight, bringing the game back to a double-digit advantage. A few possessions later McKnight capped off his 15-point outing with a pivotal and-one play, upping Nixa's lead to a comfortable 69-53 and 2:10 remaining on the clock.Â
Then, the Eagles had another successful and-one play from Randy Flint, concluding his night and 16-point effort. Nixa cleared its bench with a 72-53 lead and received its final four points from Wyatt Vincent and Colt McCoy, sealing the 76-58 victory and third-place trophy.
In Nixa's two games, the Eagles had five players average double figures: Randy Flint (15 PPG), Keivon Flint (14.5 PPG), Adam McKnight (14 PPG), Ty Kellis (13 PPG), and Jaise Combs (12 PPG).
Winnetonka's Antonio Fowler was consistent all tournament leading his team with a 15 PPG average, while Jaylen Craig (10.3 PPG) Ryan Barnhart (10 PPG) were right behind.
Box Score:
Nixa 23 | 16 | 9 | 28 | 76Â
Winnetonka 13 | 9 | 17 | 19 | 58
Leading Scorers:
Nixa, Ty Kellis (Jr.), 19
Nixa, Randy Flint (Jr.), 16
Nixa, Adam McKnight (So.), 15
Nixa, Jaise Combs (Sr.), 14
Winnetonka, Antonio Fowler (Jr.), 14
Day 3
Game 4 -Â Championship
Rogersville 72, Park Hill 55 - Feb. 1, 2025
By: Alex Stein, Nixa Public Schools
The Rogersville Wildcats and the Park Hill Trojans met for the 2025 98th Annual Nixa Invitational Tournament title.
In this title tilt, Rogersville, behind its sophomore sensation Chase Branham, used a dominating first quarter to prevail over the Trojans 72-55.
The Wildcats outscored Park Hill 22-11 in the opening period. Braham alone matched the Trojans team total with 11 of his own.Â
Marcus Moore gave Rogersville its first double-digit lead, 13-3, midway through the first with a post-up bucket over Trojans big man and go-to scorer Leo Gayman, who eventually fouled out early in the second half, eliminating a key piece for the Trojans.
Rogersville kept a double-digit advantage for the majority of the first. Park Hill brought the game within nine twice, but it was killed on the next possession. Branham drilled a contested 3-pointer with a man in his face, and Jace Pettiford sent the Wildcats into the second quarter leading 22-11 with a drive-and-finish at the hoop.
The second frame featured each team totaling 13 points, with four different players scoring, keeping the game an 11-point, 35-24, Rogersville advantage heading into the 10-minute break.Â
Rogersville led by as much as 18 late in the period, but Park Hill kept battling. Braham upped his total to 15 following the second.
To begin the second half, Park Hill immediately brought the game within single digits, coming from two freebies from Cameron Jones. A few Rogersville possessions later, the turning point in the game evolved.
The Wildcats were inbounding on the baseline with five minutes left in the third and a 40-27 lead. Gayman tried to intercept the pass but got called for his fourth foul. He disagreed with the referees, who instantly gave him a technical, forcing him out of the game with eight points. His 6-foot-5 presence inside and ability to shoot from long range were missed heavily for the duration of the game.
Rogersville began to grasp full control from that moment. Branham drove to the lane and connected with a wide-open Jack Sutherland for three, extending the Trojans lead to 47-30. Brahan forced a turnover on the next Trojan possession, where Titus Moore turned it into two.Â
Rogersville ended the fourth with a 51-39 lead.
Park Hill's resilience was on full display, and never gave up. The Trojans brought the game to six two and half minutes into the fourth with four points from Jones, two from Max Tisdel, and an Isaiah Caston 3-pointer, making it 54-48 Rogersville advantage.
But, back-to-back 3-pointers from Sutherland and Braham started a 10-0 run and put the dagger in the Trojans, bringing the game back over double digits, as the Wildcats led 64-48 and 3:20 left.
Jones kept scoring for the Trojans, but time was not on his team's side. With a 15-point lead, Branham concluded his game-high 27-point night with a corner trey, putting the Wildcats ahead 71-53 and the championship in sight.
Both teams emptied their bench, and Rogersville went on to win the contest 72-55, capturing its first Nixa tournament title since 2003 and eighth championship overall. The victory pushes Rogersville's record in the BNIT to an impressive 75-53 after finishing third a year ago.
Chase Braham's basketball abilities were on full display in all three games, as the nationally-ranked sophomore guard was the tournament's scoring champion, totaling 81 points (27 PPG), including a 33-point semifinal performance. He moves into the top 20 for single tournament-scoring leaders in only his second year.
Park Hill's seniors Cameron Jones and Leo Gayman were defensive focal points all tournament as well. Jones totaled 57 points (19 PPG) and finished fourth best. Gayman averaged 17 PPG.
Box Score:
Rogersville 22 | 13 | 16 | 21 | 72
Park Hill 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 55
Leading Scorers:
Rogersville, Chase Branham (So.), 27
Park Hill, Cameron Jones (Sr.), 17
Park Hill, Isaiah Caston (Jr.), 16
Rogersville, Marcus Moore (Jr.), 12
Rogersville, Sutton Shook (Jr.), 11
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Girls Updates:
Day 1 - Thursday, Jan. 23 Results:
Fair Grove 57, Battle 47
Troy 48, Republic 46
Nixa 81, Cape ND 45
Helias Catholic 61, Francis Howell Central 47
Friday, Jan. 24 Schedule (Semifinals):
Consolation Semifinal No. 1: Battle vs. Republic | 4 p.m.
Consolation Semifinal No. 2: Cape Notre Dame vs. Francis Howell Central | 5:30 p.m.
Championship Semifinal No. 1: Fair Grove vs. Troy | 7 p.m.
Championship Semifinal No. 2: Nixa vs. Helias Catholic | 8:30 p.m.
Day 2 - Friday, Jan. 24 Results:
Republic 57, Battle 56
Francis Howell Central 58, Cape Notre Dame 47
Fair Grove 62, Troy 58
Nixa 79, Helias Catholic 52
Saturday, Jan. 25 Schedule (Championships):
7th Place: Battle vs. Cape Notre Dame | 11 a.m.
Consolation Championship: Republic vs. Francis Howell Central | 12:30 p.m.
3rd Place: Troy vs. Helias Catholic | 2 p.m.
Championship: Nixa vs. Fair Grove | 3:30 p.m.
Day 3 - Saturday, Jan 25 Results:
7th Place: Battle 69, Cape Notre Dame 43
5th Place: Republic 56, Francis Howell Central 41
Consolation Championship: Troy 60, Helias Catholic 39
Championship: Nixa 64, Fair Grove 55
Day 1 Top 5 Leading Scorers:
23, Claire Morris (Jr.), Helias Catholic
22, Riley Henderson (Sr.), Francis Howell Central
19, Ashton Bell (Sr.), Fair Grove
19, Mya Robinson (Jr.), Troy
18, Ceely Young (Sr.), Nixa
Day 2 Top 5 Leading Scorers:
31, Brooke Teter (Sr.), Nixa
22, Ava Meyers (Sr.), Troy
21, Sway Jones (So.), Battle
18, Jayla Robinson (So.), Francis Howell CentralÂ
17, Paelyn Gilmore (So.) Republic
Day 3 Top 5 Leading Scorers:
20, Brooke Daniels (Sr.), Fair Grove
19, Tayla Robinson (Sr.), Battle
17, Sway Jones (So.), Battle
16, Mya Robinson (Jr.), Troy
15, Lanney Strong (Sr.), Republic
15, Addie Henderson (Sr.), Francis Howell Central
Top 5 GNIT Leading Scorers After Day 2:
22.5 PPG, Brooke Teter (Sr.), Nixa
16.5 PPG, Ava Meyers (Sr.), Troy
16.5 PPG, Mya Robinson (Jr.), Troy
16 PPG, Claire Morris (Jr.), Helias Catholic
15 PPG, Taylor Wood (Jr.), Nixa
Overall Top 5 GNIT Leading Scorers:
19.7 PPG, Brooke Teter (Sr.), Nixa
16.3 PPG, Mya Robinson (Jr.), Troy
15.7 PPG, Ava Meyers (Sr.), Troy
15.3 PPG, Tayla Robinson (Sr.), Battle
15 PPG, Claire Morris (Jr.), Helias Catholic
Team Leaders:
PPG Leaders After Day 1:
81, Nixa
61, Helias Catholic
PPG Leaders After Day 2:
80, Nixa
59.5, Fair Grove
Overall GNIT PPG Leaders:
74.7, Nixa
58, Fair Grove
Points Allowed After Day 1:
45, Nixa
46, Troy
Points Allowed After Day 2:
48.5, Nixa
52, Republic
Overall GNIT Points Allowed:
48.3, Republic
49, Troy
Final Standings:
1. Nixa
2. Fair Grove
3. Troy
4. Helias Catholic
5. Republic
6. Francis Howell Central
7. Battle
8. Cape Notre Dame
Denzil Morris Sportsmanship Award:
Cape Notre Dame
Updated Bracket After Day 1
Updated Bracket After Day 2
2025 Final Bracket
Â
Game Recaps:
Day 1
Game 1
Fair Grove 57, Battle 47 - Jan. 23, 2025
By: Brady Retone, Student Intern
After finishing third last year in the GNIT, the back-to-back Class 3 state champions Fair Grove Eagles used an 11-0 run early in the first quarter to take control of the game and eventually oust the Spartans 57-47.Â
Battle's Sway Jones and Tayla Robinson made two mid-rangers to give the Spartans their only lead of the game of 4-2. From there, Fair Grove's hard-nosed defense kept the Spartans off the scoreboard for five minutes, while the duo of Ashton Bell (10) and Abbey Green (5) poured in a combined 15 points, helping give the Eagles a 17-10 advantage after one.
Fair Grove went up double-digits, 24-14, following a pair of free throws from Camdyn Hart, and Bell's third triple of the night extended the advantage to 27-14 with three minutes left in the half.
Battle gained momentum heading into the break, ending the second on a 6-0 and trimming its deficit to single figures. Halftime favored Fair Grove 28-20.
The Spartans scored the first five points of the second half, but Fair Grove won the third, outscoring Battle 14-10 in the frame. Bell put the Eagles up 11, 38-27, with a turn-around jump shot midway through the third, and Green scored the final points of the third with a layup off the glass, giving Fair Grove a 42-30 lead.Â
Despite winning the quarter 17-15, behind Kumani Clark's nine points, Battle's double-digit deficit and Fair Grove's high-powered offense were too much to overcome. The Eagles had an answer for every Spartan bucket, as Bell and Hart scored a pair of threes, while Daniels and Green also helped the scoring.
Bell (19), Green (12), and Hart (12) would ultimately finish in double figures and seal the 57-47 victory.Â
Fair Grove advances to the right side, Battle moves left, and the two await the winners and losers of Republic and Troy.
Box Score:
Fair Grove 17 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 57
Battle 10 | 10 | 10 | 17 | 47
Leading Scorers:
Fair Grove, Ashton Bell (Sr.), 19
Battle, Kumani Clark (Jr.), 17
Battle, Tayla Robinson (Sr.), 13
Battle, Jaleah Brookins (Sr.), 13
Fair Grove, Camdyn Hart (Sr.), 12
Fair Grove, Abbey Green (Sr.), 12
Click here for KOLR10 video highlights.
Day 1
Game 2
Troy 48, Republic 46 - Jan. 23, 2025
Jason Stringer, Nixa Public Schools
Game two featured two Class 6 teams: the Troy Trojans, making their first GNIT appearance, and the Republic Tigers, the defending 2024 GNIT champions.
In a hard-fought game, Troy survived a late Tigers rally and prevailed 48-46.
It was a defensive-heavy game, and the Trojans were able to stop the Tigers from gaining much momentum until the final minutes of the contest. Republic had the lead to start the game, but ever since the 2-0 advantage, it was an uphill battle for the Tigers.
Troy controlled the lead throughout the whole game and extended it to double digits on a few occurrences. The Trojans held a 13-9 lead after the first and went into halftime with a 23-18 advantage.
The Trojans won the third quarter 12-10. Then, the drama unfolded in the fourth quarter.Â
Down by seven to start the quarter, 35-28, Republic's Addie Brown kick started the fourth with a corner 3-pointer and Paelyn Gilmore converted a steal into two points, forcing a Troy timeout.Â
The Trojans kept a two-possession advantage for much of the fourth quarter, but Republic kept battling. Lanney Strong converted an and-one to cut the Trojans lead down to one with 2:25 left in the game. Troy's Mya Robinson responded with an and-one of her own, bringing the game back to a two-possession favor.
With just a little over a minute left to play and trailing 44-42, Republic had the opportunity to tie the game when Strong went to the free-throw line but went one-of-two. Troy's freshman forward Miley Twellman grabbed an offensive rebound and converted the put-back off the glass, extending the lead to three with 31 seconds left.
Troy's defense forced a turnover with 15.9 seconds and was intentionally fouled. The Trojans went one-of-two from the charity stripe. Strong swished home a deep wing 3-pointer with 2.2 remaining.Â
Robinson went to the free-throw line, attempting to intentionally miss her second shot to run out the clock, but she made both and finished with a game-high 19 points.
Troy's defense swarmed Republic on the inbounds and the Tigers got a shot off after the horn, and survived the Tigers' valiant come-back attempt.
Troy is set to take on Fair Grove in the first semifinal, while Republic faces Battle on the consolation side.
Box Score:
Troy 13 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 48
Republic 9 | 9 | 10 | 18 | 46
Leading Scorers:
Troy, Mya Robinson (Sr.), 19
Republic, Lanney Strong (Sr.), 13
Troy, Ava Meyers (Sr.), 11
Republic, Paelyn Gilmore (So.), 10
Republic, Addie Brown (Jr.), 8
Day 1
Game 3
Nixa 81, Cape Notre Dame 45 - Jan. 23, 2025
Jason Stringer, Nixa Public Schools
Game three featured tournament host Nixa and the Bulldogs of Cape Girardeau Notre Dame (Cape ND).Â
Thanks to a well-rounded offensive output and defensive effort, Nixa dominated the Bulldogs from start to finish, defeating Cape ND 81-45.
The Eagles started off hot with Brooke Teter getting the Eagles first two baskets of the game in a hurry. Teter eventually finished with 10 points in the quarter
It was back-and-forth for the first four minutes of the quarter until junior forward Gwen Kubik gave Nixa a 9-8 lead, and the Eagles did not look back. From there, the Eagles outscored Cape ND 21-6, helping the Eagles put away the game early and give the host a 23-14 lead after one. Senior guard Ceely Young nailed two-of-her-four 3-pointers in the opening period as well.
The Eagles full-court press and the enactment of the shot clock caused many issues and turnovers for the Bulldogs. Junior guard Taylor Wood and Kubik scored six and four, respectively, in the second, while senior point guard Karis Ferguson and Young added three and two of their own sending Nixa into the break leading 38-17.
Nixa controlled the second half easily, outscoring Cape ND 43-24, including a 27-point fourth quarter, where the Eagles enacted the turbo clock.
Young was the shining star with 18 points. Three other Eagles had 10+ points: Wood (16), Teter (14), and Kubik (14). Nixa was able to preserve its starters and had 10 different players in the points department.
Olivia Wagoner led Cape ND in scoring with 13, and Mia Panton and Skylar Craft followed with 10 and nine, respectively.
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Nixa advances to the championship side, while Cape NDÂ drops to the consolation side. They will face the winners and losers of Helias Catholic and Francis Howell Central.
Box Score:
Nixa 23 | 15 | 16 | 27 | 81
Cape ND 14 | 7 | 12 | 12 | 45
Leading Scorers:
Nixa, Ceely Young (Sr.), 18
Nixa, Taylor Wood (Jr.), 16
Nixa, Brooke Teter (Sr.), 14
Nixa, Gwen Kubik (Jr.), 14
Cape ND, Olivia Wagoner (Sr.), 13
Day 1
Game 4
Helias Catholic 61, Francis Howell Central 47 - Jan. 23, 2025
By: Alex Stein, Nixa Public Schools
The Helias Catholic Crusaders and Francis Howell Spartans (FHC) closed out day one of the 2025 GNIT.
Helias prevailed in a hard, intense battle 61-47, due in part to its defensive effort and the play of junior forward Claire Morris, who finished with a game and day-high 23 points.Â
FHC's senior point guard Riley Henderson went blow-for-blow with Morris, as she finished with 22.
Henderson kick started a 6-2 run for the Spartans with a 3-pointer for FHC's first points of the game, but Helias regained its advantage late in the first quarter and took a 14-10 lead after one. From there, the Crusaders never trailed.
It was Morris and her counter part senior guard Kenadi Harrison who took over the the second quarter, with much help from it's defense. The two scored all of the team's points in the second, with Morris totaling eight and Harrison five, and the Crusaders defense kept FHC off the scoreboard for nearly four minutes. Helias headed into the break leading 27-22.
Henderson kept the Spartans in the game, with 10 points, including two clutch 3-pointers.
Morris answered Henderson with 10 points of her own in the third quarter, helping the Crusaders win the period 15-13. Late in the frame, Morris found a cutting Harrison to give the Crusaders a double-digit lead of 40-30. FHC's Addie Henderson swished home a three before the buzzer to trim its deficit to 42-35.
The Crusaders controlled the fourth, outscoring its foe 19-12, and junior Jayli Howell put Helias back up 10, 51-41, midway through the period with an easy lay-up cutting through the lane. The Spartans went scoreless for five minutes and the Crusaders kept it offensive output pouring, and were up 16, 57-41, with under a minute remaining, ultimately sealing the victory.
Helias advances to the semifinals for a matchup with the tournament host, while FHC drops to consolation side and faces Cape Notre Dame.Â
Box Score:
Helias Catholic 14 | 13 | 15 | 19 | 61
Francis Howell Central 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 47
Leading Scorers:
Helias Catholic, Claire Morris (Jr.), 23
FHC, Riley Henderson (Sr.), 22
Helias Catholic, Jayli Howell (Jr.), 14
FHC, Sam Taylor (Jr.), 12
Helias Catholic, Kenadi Harrison (Sr.), 10
Day 2
Game 1
Republic 57, Battle 56 - Jan. 24, 2025
By: Brady Retone, Student Intern
Game one of day two featured Class 6 foes in the Republic Tigers and Battle Spartans.
Republic secured the win in a close matchup against the Battle, edging the Spartans 57-56. Sophomore Paelyn Gilmore scored the game-winning bucket with under 14 seconds left in the game and led the Tigers offense with 17 points.
After five minutes of both teams trading buckets back-and-forth in the first, it would be Battle's Sway Jones giving the Spartans an 8-7 lead. The period featured five different lead changes, but Republic had a 15-12 advantage heading into the second.
The second quarter provided a similar tale, as both teams exchanged basket for basket and could not gain a comfortable foothold in the game, with Jones scoring eight and Gilmore seven.
Republic went into the intermission leading 29-28.
Out of the break, neither team could gain momentum in another back-and-forth quarter. Battle outscored Republic 12-11 to even the game at 40-40.
In the fourth quarter, each team carried a brief one-point lead, and the contest eventually came down to the last possession. With three minutes remaining, Battle led Republic 51-50.
The Tigers Addie Brown scored Republic's next five points, while Battle's Jaleah Brookins scored the Spartans next four, and Republic a one-possession advantage.
With under a minute remaining, Jones put the Spartans ahead 56-55, hitting a shot for her game-high 21 points just outside the paint off of an inbound pass from Tayla Robinson. Battle would force a Republic turnover near midcourt on the Tigers' next possession, but could not convert the steal into points.Â
Gilmore sealed the victory for Republic on the Tigers next possession. With 12.8 left, Gilmore received the ball at the top of the arc, avoided the Spartan defender, drove to the lane, and made the layup, sending the Tigers to the consolation championship game with the 57-56 win.
The two await the winners and losers of Francis Howell Central and Cape Notre Dame.
Box Score:
Republic 17 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 57
Battle 12 | 16 | 12 | 16 | 56
Leading Scorers:
Battle, Sway Jones (So.), 21
Republic, Paelyn Gilmore (So.), 17
Republic, Addie Brown (Jr.), 14
Battle, Tayla Robinson (Sr.), 14
Republic, Lanney Strong (Sr.), 9
Day 2
Game 2
Francis Howell Central 58, Cape Notre Dame 47Â - Jan. 24, 2025
By: Jason Stringer, Nixa Public Schools
Francis Howell Central (FHC) picked up its first victory of the GNIT with the win over Cape Notre Dame (Cape ND). The Spartans were clicking from behind the arc all game and sank 11 3-pointers as a team, propelling FHC to the 58-47 victory.Â
Cape ND started off the night going on a quick 7-0 run, with Olivia Wagoner scoring five.Â
Sam Taylor finally scored the Spartans first points with a 3-pointer two minutes into the game, but Bulldogs Mia Panton responded with one of her own.
Eventually, the Bulldogs extended their lead to 23-6 with the help of its lock-down defense and forward Eliza Barnette tallying eight points. But, FHC had an answer.
Addie Henderson made the first of her five deep balls, and Hannh Halterman converted two freebies, cutting the Spartans deficit to 23-11 heading into the second quarter. This helped carry momentum into the next period and sparked a run that brought FHC back into the game. Henderson would end up scoring 15 points on five 3's.
Spartans sophomore forward Jayla Robinson came out of the second quarter with a purpose and scored 14 of the 20 Spartans points in the quarter. This helped the Spartans outscore Cape ND 20-6 in the second and sent FHC leading into halftime 31-29. Robinson finished with a team-high 18 points.
In a back-and-forth third quarter, Skylar Craft sank a big 3-pointer to put Cape ND up by two with 1:39 left. However, the Spartans Taylor ended the quarter on fire, hitting a trio of 3-pointers to put her team back ahead 50-43, ultimately sealing their spot in the consolation championship. Taylor ended the night with 15 points, all courtesy of the deep ball.
FHC shut down Cape ND's offense in the fourth quarter, allowing only four total points to secure a Spartan win. The Spartans face Republic for fifth place, while Cape ND drops to the seventh place game.
Box Score:
FHC 11 | 20 | 18 | 8 | 58
Cape ND 23 | 6 | 14 | 4 | 47
Leading Scorers:
FHC, Jayla Robinson (So.), 18
FHC, Sam Taylor (Jr.), 15
FHC, Mikaela Bond (So.), 15
Cape ND, Eliza Barnette (Sr.), 14
Cape ND, Mia Panton (Jr.), 11
Day 2
Game 3
Fair Grove 62, Troy 58 - Jan. 24, 2025
By: Jason Stringer, Nixa Public Schools
Fair Grove and Troy clashed in the first semifinal matchup. The Eagles punched their ticket to the championship after overcoming a slow start and defeated the Trojans in a nail-biter 62-58.
Troy controlled the first quarter with the hot shooting from senior guard Ava Meyers, who scored three deep balls in the period. Meyers sank a winger 3-pointer for the game's opening points and kick-started an 8-0 run to start the game for the Trojans.
The Trojans led 18-13 after the first.
In the second quarter, Fair Grove amplified its defensive pressure and began to shift momentum. Seniors Brooke Daniels and Abbey Green scored quick buckets to start the quarter, cutting the Eagles' deficit to just one.Â
After capping off a 13-4 run, Fair Grove tied the game at 20-20 with five minutes left in the half following a pair of free throws from senior forward Shae Skouby. Both teams ended the second trading baskets and ended the half-tied at 26.
Offenses took over in the second half. The third quarter featured eight different lead changes and a combined total of 34 points. The Eagles had contributions from eight players, and Troy had four players find the baskets. It was Fair Grove, though, who won the quarter 18-16 and carried a one-possession lead heading into the final eight minutes.
Momentum shifted back and forth throughout the fourth quarter, with no team able to create separation. The game was ultimately decided in the final two minutes. Sophomore guard Sage Crowley corralled a defensive rebound and went coast-to-coast for the layup, putting the Eagles up 54-53, and Fair Grove's defense forced a Trojan turnover on the ensuing possession. The Trojans made the necessary stop on the defensive side and called a timeout with 1:36. Meyers nailed a deep 3-pointer off the inbounds, and the Trojans were back in front.
The lead was short-lived. Green made a nice move in the paint and made the one-handed shot giving the Eagles the advantage. Fair Grove forced a missed basket, hauled in the defensive board, and Daniels used her speed to score a transition-contested layup, giving the Eagles the 58-56 lead with 50 seconds remaining.
Fair Grove's defense came up clutch again. On Troy's final two possessions, the Eagles forced a low-percentage shot and converted it into three points. Then, blocked a Trojan shot on the next possession. Ellie Moore kept Troy battling. The sophomore forward made a deep jump shot with seven seconds left, cutting the deficit to 61-58. Green made a crucial free throw for the game's final points and sent Fair Grove to victory.
Box Score:
Fair Grove 13 | 13 | 18 | 18 | 62
Troy 18 | 8 | 16 | 16 | 58
Leading Scorers:
Troy, Ava Meyers (Sr.), 22
Troy, Mya Robinson (Jr.), 14
Fair Grove, Brooke Daniels (Sr.), 13
Fair Grove, Emma Padgett (Sr.), 12
Fair Grove, Abbey Green (Sr.), 11
Day 2
Game Four
Nixa 79, Helias Catholic 52 - Jan. 24, 2025
By: Alex Stein, Nixa Public Schools
Nixa and Helias Catholic met in the semifinal to close out the second day of the GNIT. The tournament host dominated the game from start to finish, thanks largely to a huge first-quarter run propelled by its defensive pressure.
Helias scored the first two points of the game from the free-throw line. Then it was all Eagles. Nixa went on a 23-2 run by capitalizing on Crusader turnovers and led by 20 with a minute left, ultimately being the deciding quarter in the 79-52 victory.Â
After the first quarter, Nixa already had a commanding lead of 25-6. 15 of those points came from senior forward Brooke Teter, who had a career-high night. Teter scored the majority of her points with easy transition layup buckets and surpassed the 30-point mark in the fourth quarter. She set a career-high with 31 points to lead all scorers in the game.Â
The Eagles went on to outscore the Crusaders 18-8 in the second, taking a 43-14 advantage into the intermission. Teter and junior Taylor Wood combined for 10 of those points.
Coming out of the break, Helias had its best quarter and outscored Nixa 21-17, with seven of its eight players getting at least one point, but the Crusaders were still facing a big uphill battle to overcome.
Nixa won the fourth quarter 19-17 and cleared its bench. The highlight moment came when Teter converted an and-one play, scoring her 31st point and marking a new career milestone. At that point, the game was 71-47, and baskets from seniors Addy Ruffin and Bella Marsh, along with free throws from freshman Katie Bryant and sophomore Jordan Phillips capped off the 79 Eagle points.
Nixa faces Fair Grove in the championship, while Helias drops to the third-place game. The two met a year ago in the GNIT, and Fair Grove triumphed in an overtime thriller 66-62.Â
Box Score:
Nixa 25 | 18 | 17 | 19 | 79
Helias Catholic 6 | 8 | 21 | 17 | 52
Leading Scorers:
Nixa, Brooke Teter (Sr.), 31
Nixa, Taylor Wood (Jr.), 15
Helias Catholic, Jayli Howell (Jr.), 14
Helias Catholic, Claire Morris (Jr.), 9
Nixa, Karis Ferguson (Sr.), 9
Click here to view the Christian County Headliner game recap and photos.
Day 3
Game 1 - 7th Place
Battle 69, Cape Notre Dame 43 - Jan. 25, 2025
By: Alex Stein, Nixa Public Schools
Battle placed seventh in GNIT after defeating Cape Notre Dame (Cape ND) in blowout fashion.
The Spartans used a big second quarter, outscoring the Bulldogs 16-4, to earn a 69-43 victory. Battle doubled up on Cape ND in the fourth quarter as well, winning the period 22-8.
After the first quarter, it was a one-possession game, 15-12, but then the Spartans Tayla Robinson and Sway Jones began to take over.Â
The duo scored 12 of the team's 16 points in the second and sent Battle into the break leading 31-16.Â
The Spartans had a double-digit lead throughout the third quarter, with Robinson and Jones scoring half of the team's 16 third-quarter points. Battle extended its advantage to over 20 midway through the fourth with a Brennan Johnson corner 3-pointer coming off an assist from Robinson, making the game 61-39.
Robinson (19), Jones (17), and Johnson (11) all reached double figures in the victory, totaling over half of the Spartans points.
Mia Panton was a bright spot for the Bulldogs, as Panton led Cape ND with 14 points.
Robinson was the Spartans top scorer and the tournament's fourth-best, averaging 15.3 PPG. Jones also averaged double digits with 13.3 PPG.
Proceeding the game, Cape Notre Dame was awarded the Greg Denzil Morris Sportsmanship Award, which is a special recognition to honor one team that exhibits excellent sportsmanship throughout the NIT.
Box Score:
Battle 15 | 16 | 16 | 22 | 69
Cape Notre Dame 12 | 4 | 19 | 8 | 43
Leading Scorers:
Battle, Tayla Robinson (Sr.), 19
Battle, Sway Jones (So.), 17
Cape ND, Mia Panton (Jr.), 14
Battle, Brennan Johnson (Jr.), 11
Cape ND, Eliza Barnette (Sr.), 9
Day 3
Game 2 - Consolation Championship
Republic 56, Francis Howell Central - Jan. 25, 2025
By: Alex Stein, Nixa Public Schools
The Republic Tigers captured the 2025 GNIT consolation championship after overcoming a slow start to defeat the Francis Howell Central (FHC) Spartans 56-41.
The Spartans jumped out a quick 16-8 lead after the first quarter, but Republic made the proper adjustments and gained control of the game midway through the second. The Tigers jumped the passing lanes and forced a Spartan turnover, and in transition, Lanney Strong made a corner 3-pointer to give Republic its first lead of the game, 19-18.Â
From there, both teams exchanged baskets and lead changes, but it was Republic with the last points in the second, as Strong made the left-handed layup off of the block and put the Tigers ahead 30-28 at halftime.
Republic controlled every aspect of the third quarter and allowed just one Spartan basket, which ultimately decided the game. Addie Henderson scored a quick two ten seconds into the second half and ended with a team-high 15 points. The Republic defense kept FHC off of the scoreboard for the remainder of the quarter and capitalized on the offensive end by scoring 19 points, with Cora Cutbirth (7) and Paelyn Gilmore (5) accounting for half and extending Republic's lead to 49-30.
It was a low-scoring final period, and the Spartans won the quarter 11-7. FHC kept the margin hovering around 12, but Strong scored her final basket with 1:10 left in the period to conclude a 15-point outing. Addie Brown drained a 3-pointer to help the Tigers end the game on a 5-1 run, sealing the 56-41 victory and fifth-place trophy.
Cutbirth had a double-digit performance as well, with 13.
Strong was Republic's top scorer throughout the GNIT, averaging 12.3 PPG. Gilmore averaged 12 PPG. For FHC, Addie Henderson averaged 12.7 PPG to lead the Spartans.
Box Score:
Republic 8 | 22 | 19 | 7 | 56
Francis Howell Central 8 | 22 | 19 | 7 | 41
Leading Scorers:
Republic, Lanney Strong (Sr.), 15
FHC, Addie Henderson (Sr.), 15
Republic, Cora Cutbirth (So.), 13
FHC, Riley Henderson (Sr.), 9
Republic, Paelyn Gilmore (So.), 9
Day 3
Game 3 - 3rd Place
Troy 60, Helias Catholic 39 - Jan. 25, 2025
By: Jason Stringer, Nixa Public Schools
Troy's dynamic duo of Ava Meyers and Mya Robinson scored half of the team's points, helping the Trojans cruise to a 60-39 victory over Helias and a third-place finish.Â
After a minute into the game, Robinson put up the first points on the board as she fought through contact for a layup. On the next possession, the junior guard intercepted a pass and drove in for a layup, giving the Trojans an early four-point lead. She eventually tallied a game-high 16 points.
Junior forward Jayli Howell scored the Crusaders opening basket, making it 4-2. After a couple of scoreless possessions, Meyers kickstarted a 15-4 run for Troy to end the first with a 3-pointer and five minutes left on the clock. The Trojans led 18-6 after one.
Robinson and Meyers received additional support from sophomore forward Ellie Moore in the second. Moore scored half of her 12 total points in the period and pushed the lead to 27-12.Â
Helias had a strong ending to the first half, as senior guard Alaina Meyer led the Crusaders on an 8-1 run, scoring seven of those points. The Crusaders had life going into halftime down 30-20. It was short-lived, though.
Meyers came out of the locker room with a goal in mind. She quickly drained a pair of 3's and surpassed her 1000th career point, putting the Trojans up 36-20.Â
From there, it was all Trojans. Troy extended its run to 10-0, with baskets from Robinson and Moore, and gave the Trojans its first 20-point advantage midway through the third. Helias scored ten points in the last four minutes of play, however, Troy had a response for each basket, and led by 20, 52-32, heading into the fourth.
In the fourth quarter, the Trojans' defense shined in a low-scoring period, which saw Troy win the frame 8-7. Meyers tallied three points in the period, upping her total to 14 in the game.
Junior forward Claire Morris scored 13 points for the Crusaders to lead the team, three of which came from the charity stripe in the fourth quarter. Morris finished the tournament averaging 15 PPG, which was fifth best.
Robinson (16.3 PPG) and Meyers (15.7 PPG) concluded as the No. 2 and No. 3 top-scorers in the tournament.
Box Score:
Troy 18 | 12 | 22 | 8 | 60
Helias Catholic 6 | 14 | 12 | 7 | 39
Leading Scorers:
Troy, Mya Robinson (Jr.), 16
Troy, Ava Meyers (Sr.), 14
Helias Catholic, Claire Morris (Jr.), 13
Troy, Ellie Moore (So,), 12
Helias Catholic, Alaina Meyer (Jr.), 11
Day 3
Game Four -Â Championship
Nixa 64, Fair Grove 55 - Jan. 25, 2024
By: Alex Stein, Nixa Public Schools
In a rematch of the 2024 GNIT third-place game, Nixa and Fair Grove clashed for the 2025 title. Fair Grove got the upper hand a year ago, ousting Nixa in an overtime thriller 66-62.Â
It was Nixa's turn in 2025, as the tournament host hoisted the title for the first time since 2019. Previously, the Eagles fell to West Plains and Park Hill South in the NIT championship game in 2022 and 2023.
With the help of its deep bench and four players tallying double figures, Nixa used a big fourth quarter to eventually pull away and defeat the defending Class 3 back-to-back state champs 64-55.
In the first half, it was a neck-to-neck battle, with both teams trading runs. Fair Grove had the last run in the opening quarter, as the visiting Eagles ended the period on a 9-2 advantage before Nixa's senior guard Karis Ferguson sank a mid-range floater as time expired.Â
Fair Grove led 15-10 going into the second.Â
Nixa captured its first lead of the game midway through the second quarter when senior forward Brooke Teter drove to the lane and made a layup around two Fair Grove defenders, putting the host ahead 20-19. Senior guard Addy Ruffin pushed the lead to 25-20 with a 3-pointer a few possessions later. Then, Fair Grove had a quarter-ending run and scored the next five points, evening the game. Junior guard Taylor Wood sank two freebies, sending Nixa into the breaking with a two-point lead.
A back-and-forth third quarter saw Fair Grove tie the game 40-40, outscoring Nixa 15-13. Abbey Green dropped six of those 14.
Senior guard Kennedy Nash was the game-changer in the final quarter. Nash started the fourth with a 3-pointer and, with roughly five minutes remaining, drained another trey, giving Nixa a 50-43 lead. The run would extend five additional points, as Ruffin drained a 3-pointer, and Wood gave Nixa its largest of the game with a pair of freebies, pushing Nixa ahead by 12 with four minutes left.Â
Nixa stayed ahead by double digits for the duration of the game with long possessions and its free-throw shooting. Fair Grove scored a late basket from a Brooke Daniels layup with under 10 seconds making it a 9-point margin as time expired. Daniels finished with a game-high 20 and averaged 14 PPG for the tournament. Daniels counterparts Ashton Bell (14) and Green (11) poured in double figures in the defeat.
The play of Nixa seniors Teter (14), Nash (13), and Ruffin (12) played a pivotal role in the 64-55 victory, as the three all scored in double figures, alongside Wood's 11.
Teter's 14 capped off a stellar tournament performance, scoring double figures in each game and averaging 19.7 PPG to claim the scoring title. Wood averaged 14 PPG in the three-game span.
Box Score:
Nixa 10 | 17 | 13 | 24 | 64
Fair Grove 15 | 10 | 15 | 13 | 55
Leading Scorers:
Fair Grove, Brooke Daniels (Sr.), 20
Fair Grove, Ashton Bell (Sr.), 14
Nixa, Brooke Teter (Sr.), 14
Nixa, Kennedy Nash (Sr.), 13
Nixa, Addy Ruffin (Sr.), 12
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