Willow Springs Bears Win the District Title

The Willow Springs Bears bested the Hollister Tigers Friday night to become the District Champions.

The Bears faced off against three teams last week to determine the district title. On Monday, the Bears played against the Reed Springs Wolves. The game started strong, with the Bears leading the half by 11. Willow’s defense overpowered the Wolves throughout the game. By the time the third quarter was over, the Bears were ahead by 23. By the fourth, Coach Wilson was able to play his entire roster and win the game 55-27. 

On Wednesday, for the semi-final game, the Bears played the Rogersville Panthers. The Bears started strong with defense and had success setting up plays for the offense. Throughout the quarters, both teams were slow and scored far less than usual. At halftime, the score was 15-13, Bears. From there, the Bears struggled to find their groove again but did manage to build momentum. The final minutes were a back-and-forth battle for points on both ends. The final score was 40-37, Bears. 

This win gave the Bears their first shot for the District Title in over 14 years. 

Friday night’s game against the Hollister Tigers was one to remember. The Bears had their eyes set on the district title, and no one could stand in their way. Owen Duddridge came out strong hitting 5 threes throughout the first half. Gabe Colvin hit a buzzer beater three for the first quarter. Gannon McGinnis and the Osborn brothers Scottie and Scooter poured it on thick with a halftime score of 41-19, Bears.

With practically, the whole town of Willow watching and cheering, the Bears held on to the lead in the third quarter 53-29. At the start of the fourth, all Bears coming off the bench, and with a smile on head Coach Mike Wilson’s face, the Bears defeated the Hollister Tigers and claimed the first District Championship after 14 years, by a score of 74-41.

Scoring in the District Championship game was Owen Duddridge with 20, Scottie Osborn with 16, Gannon McGinnis with 12, Gabe Colvin with 10, Scooter Osborn with 8, Taftin Thompson, Ryan Koehler, Ryan Friga and Taylor Rothermich each with 2. 

The next game the Bear will play is Tuesday in Nixa against Lamar.