The Willard Tigers baseball team has once again proven their prowess on the field, advancing to the Missouri State High School Activities Association Class 5 state semifinals. The Tigers secured their spot by sweeping Marshfield in a best-of-three series, winning 6-0 and 13-3. This marks the fourth time in seven seasons that Willard has reached the final week of the state baseball calendar.
In the first game of the series, senior pitchers Levi Hilton, Cade Hayter, and Sean Slagle combined their efforts to shut out the Marshfield Blue Jays, showcasing their skill and teamwork. The second game saw junior Matthew Burns deliver an impressive performance, allowing only four hits and striking out six batters over six innings.
Willard’s offense was equally formidable, with a six-run fifth inning and a total of 12 hits in the second game, followed by seven more runs in the seventh inning. This offensive surge mirrored their previous victory over top-ranked Webb City in the district championship, where a single big inning turned the tide in their favor.
Looking ahead, the Tigers, who have held a No. 1 state ranking for much of the season, will face Platte County in the semifinals. The game is scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m. at the Ozark Mountain Sports Complex. The semifinal appearance will also be the final games under the leadership of longtime coach Scott McGee, who will be transitioning to an administrative role at Republic High School. His son, senior catcher Jarrett McGee, is among the standout players contributing to the team’s success.
Kickapoo’s Season Ends in Class 6 Quarterfinals
Meanwhile, the Kickapoo Chiefs saw their season come to an end in the Class 6 state quarterfinals. After a promising start with a 3-1 victory over Blue Springs South, thanks to a stellar performance by Missouri State-bound pitcher Brody Wilson, the Chiefs were unable to maintain their momentum. They suffered a 4-1 loss in the second game and were ultimately eliminated in an 18-2 rout, concluding their season with a 27-13 record.
Original reporting: Springfield Daily Citizen — read the source article.
