Cardinals' remarkable season ends in semifinals

Although the Cardinals boys basketball season came to an end at the district semifinals, there’s still plenty to celebrate.

The team exceeded the 20-win threshhold by finishing with a 21-7 record. In Central Ozark Conference play, the Cardinals were 9-1, placing second behind Nixa.

Senior Barron Duda broke team scoring records, reached 1,000 career points and was named COC Player of the Year.

Juniors Holton Keith and Eli Pace were second and third team COC selections, respectively.

The Cardinals started the Class 5 District 7 tournament Thursday at Pembroke Hill with a 60-50 win over Belton. They lost to the Raytown Bluejays Saturday in the semifinals 63-52. Raytown went on to win the tournament against Grandview in two overtimes 65-63.

In addition to Duda, Omari Jackson is also graduating from the program.

You can see highlights of the Raytown game at webbcitycardinals.com.