LADY BUFFALOS FINISH STRONG

The El Dorado Christian School Lady Buffalos capped off an impressive basketball season with a second-place finish in the MCSAA Division III State Championship game.

The Lady Buffalos finished the regular season with a 13–10 record and entered the state tournament as one of the youngest teams in the field. With only two high school players on the roster and the remainder of the team made up of junior high athletes, the Lady Buffalos spent the season competing at the varsity level against older and more experienced teams.

Despite their youth, the team proved to be a strong and competitive group throughout the season and into the tournament.

In the championship game, the Lady Buffalos faced the Christian Learning Center Mustangs at Ozark Christian College in Joplin. The Mustangs came out strong in the first half and took a 25–15 lead into halftime. The Lady Buffalos responded with a determined effort in the second half, battling back and playing a strong final two quarters before falling 37–29.

Head coach Travis Cole said he was proud of the way his team competed throughout the tournament and the season.

“I am extremely proud of our girls,” Cole said. “They played a very good, hard-fought tournament. When they got down in the state championship game, they did not quit and battled back. It was an exciting game and a great way to end an amazing year. I truly feel like the luckiest coach on the planet.”

Junior McKenzie Cole also reflected on the team’s accomplishments this season.

“I’m very proud of how far our team made it this year,” she said. “We definitely surpassed expectations, and I’m excited for next season.”

With most of the roster returning next year, the future looks bright for the Lady Buffalos as they build on a season that ended with a state runner-up trophy and high hopes for the years ahead.

Eighth grader Sadie Watkins pushes the pace for the Buffalos, driving the ball up the court during the MCSAA Championship game against the CLC Mustangs.

Freshman Grace Hubbard handles the pressure for the Buffalos during the MCSAA Championship game, protecting the ball against a defender from the CLC Mustangs as she looks to make a play down the court.