HERMANN - The North Callaway Ladybirds will get their third shot to break through against the Hermann Lady Bearcats, this time in the most important game of the season.
Senior guard Tara Oberlag connected for a game-high 19 points and North Callaway put itself in position to play for a Class 3, District 6 title after powering past Christian in a 59-41 semifinal victory Wednesday night.
The win sets up a showdown between North Callaway (21-6) and state-ranked Hermann (24-1) for the District 6 championship at 7 p.m. Friday. The Lady Bearcats - ranked No. 2 in the state - reached the finals by roughing up South Callaway 66-28 in Wednesday night's other semifinal.
The Ladybirds lost at Hermann 59-56 on a desperation shot as time expired on Jan. 9. North Callaway was then humbled by the Lady Bearcats 47-20 in the title game of the South Callaway Invitational Tournament on Jan. 18.
Boys' basketball
New Bloomfield 68
Smithton 66
RUSSELLVILLE - The Wildcats advanced to the semifinals of the Class 2, District 8 Tournament by toppling the Tigers (18-8) in first-round play Tuesday night.
New Bloomfield overcame a 46-45 deficit entering the fourth quarter by outscoring Smithton 23-20 to move on in the tournament.
Moberly 61
Fulton 43
MOBERLY - The Hornets watched their losing streak stretch to six games after being outscored by the Spartans 30-13 in the second half of Tuesday night's North Central Missouri Conference loss.
Fulton fell behind 14-6 after one quarter, but found its offensive rhythm in the second quarter and outscored Moberly 24-17 to close within 31-30 at the break. The Spartans, though, outscored the Hornets 12-4 in the third quarter to extend their lead to 43-34 and pulled away over the final 8 minutes by outscoring Fulton 18-9.