2023 Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament: Woodland’s Korbin Kinder leads Cardinals past Meadow Heights

The afternoon session of the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament was a back-and-forth affair with the Woodland Cardinals defeating the Meadow Heights Panthers 71-67.

In the end, Woodland was able to grab the win because of a big day from Korbin Kinder, who scored 28 points. Woodland head coach Shawn Kinder said Korbin was one of the bright spots for his team today.

“I feel like Korbin is shooting the ball with confidence, getting his feet set and finding some gaps in the zone to knock down shots,” Kinder said. “There are a few lessons to walk away with from this game that I guess is a plus. We just got to get more guys going, we've got a lot of guys who can shoot about like Korbin. We're just gonna get those guys going.”

The first quarter started sloppy for both teams, trading turnovers before Korbin Kinder found his three-point shot. Kinder scored two shots back-to-back to send the Cardinals into the second quarter with a 14-13 lead.

Woodland ran out to a 10-point lead 23-13 to start the third quarter, but Meadow Heights picked up some offense of their own. The Panthers finished the quarter on an 18-8 run to tie the game at 31-31, heading into halftime.

Woodland's Korbin Kinder (12) dribbles down the court during a December 26, 2023 Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament game between the Woodland Cardinals and the Meadow Heights at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Woodland defeated Meadow Heights, 71-67.Photo Courtesy of Carrie Trovillion - Freelance Photographer

Kinder said the blown lead was more on the Cardinals and what they did wrong more than the Panthers outplaying them.

“We had some unforced turnovers when we're just trying to force too much down the stretch,” Kinder said. “When you get a lead like that and start building the cushion, we've got to take better care of the basketball and control the tempo, make them play our game.”

There was little action in the third quarter as both teams traded baskets to head into the final quarter tied at 45-45. In the fourth, Woodland again reached a 10-point lead before letting it nearly slip away as the lead was cut down to four points. The Cardinals managed to hold Meadow Heights there and take the 71-67 win.

Woodland will take on Notre Dame tomorrow at 9 p.m. while Meadow Heights will face Scott County at 9 a.m. Wednesday.