BY DEREK SHORE

So much for a two-week layoff during Christmas break.

In fact, Webb City (6-1) appeared to be in midseason form against Clever (3-6).

The Cardinals used a 24-8 second quarter to stretch its lead to 41-17 at halftime.

"I thought we played well," Webb City coach Jason Horn said. "Defensively, we were really good. Our rotations were good. We did a good job handling their ball screens and screens off the ball. Our help side was really good. We limited their driving lanes to get the ball into the basket and get the ball in the paint. I'm really pleased with how we did defensively. We did a really good job rebounding the basketball. It helped us get out and run.

"Overall, we did a good job sharing the ball."

Webb City's Mekhi Garrard put together a season-best performance, posting 22 points on 10-of-14 shooting from the field.

Garrard, 6-0 guard, fell three points shy of his career- high mark of 25 against Conway on Dec. 13, 2019.

He also hit 2 of 3 triples and tied a season high with eight rebounds while dishing out four assists.

"He's aggressive when he is focused and concentrating on his footwork," Horn said. "He's a guy that is really tough to stay in front of. He also showed he can step out and shoot the basketball. I thought he was really locked in. You are seeing the rust come off of him. He's had days to practice now (after football). His effort was the main thing. His effort was at a really high level tonight."

Senior guard Nickhai Howard added 16 points on 7 of 9 shooting to go along with six assists and three steals. Luke Brumit, Trey Roets and Cohl Vaden scored six points each for the Cardinals.

Clever received a gamehigh 24 points from Bryce Gelle.

The Cardinals' lead swelled to 55-30 after the third quarter before finishing off the Blue Jays with a 20-13 fourth quarter.

Webb City shot 52% (29 of 55) from the floor, while holding the Blue Jays to 29% shooting (15 of 51).

"It goes back to our defense," Horn said. "We were in the passing lanes.

We handled their screens and didn't give them clean looks."

Joplin Globe 01/07/2021 (Used by permission)