Webb City broke away to a 14-4 lead early in the first quarter and went on to defeat Carl Junction 71-56 Tuesday night in a boys nonconference basketball game.

Webb City's boys, 4-2, never trailed but led just 54-48 when Carl Junction junior point guard Travis Vogt fouled out with 5 minutes, 25 seconds left in the game.

The Cardinals sank 11 of 12 free throws during a four-minute span in the fourth quarter and were 19 of 26 at the line overall. Carl Junction was 10 of 19 at the free-throw line even though 20 fouls were called on each team.

"We wanted to get off to a fast start on the road," said Webb City head coach Landon Cornish. "Our defensive intensity was good early, then we weren't able to get back into it. Size-wise and with our depth, rebounding was an emphasis tonight."

Junior center Kohl Slaughter led the Cardinals with 17 points. The Cardinals scored eight points on offensive rebounds, including a basket by Slaughter that gave Webb City a 46-37 lead with 3:04 left in the third quarter.

"They beat us on the boards by about 15 and we had one offensive rebound in the second half," said Carl Junction head coach Ryan Odaffer. "He (Slaughter) was a very tough matchup for us tonight and they have other kids who played football who are very good athletes."