Avery Morlock News Today

When the Jefferson City Lady Jays broke the huddle during a timeout with :05.8 on the clock, Hannah Linthacum took her spot on the right block, awaiting the in-bounds play. The Lady Jays’ 6-foot-4 senior center had a sly smile on her face. She knew exactly what was coming. The only question was, could the St. Joseph Benton Lady Cardinals stop it from happening? They couldn’t.

Kelsey Johnson (left) dribbles in the first half of Benton's 47-42 win over Helias Catholic in the Class 4 state semifinal at the Hammond Student Center on Friday. Photo by Tommy Rezac. By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSPRINGFIELD - It was unclear for about the first three quarters of Friday's Class 4 state semifinal between Benton and Helias Catholic whether any team could pull away.With the game knotted at 23-23 with 2:44 left in the third, neither team had led by more than three and the...