Leopold shocks Meadow Heights to win MVC Tournament

In the second game between Leopold and Meadow Heights, the Wildcats stole the show and defeated the hosting Panthers 55-53 on Thursday to claim first place in the MVC Tournament at Meadow Heights High School in Patton, Mo.

Leopold and Meadow Heights previously met in the first game of the season, with the Wildcats winning 51-49 in the opening round of the Woodland Invitational Tournament.

"We could play Meadow Heights 10 times and we could split, "Leopold head coach Gary Poyner said. "They're very well coached."

Leopold entered the MVC Tournament at 5-11 after starting the season 4-4. Winning three straight games for the first time all season has improved the Wildcats' record to 8-11

"We've been through so many ups and downs this year," Poyner said. "Everybody has contributed to this point in different ways and to be able to put it all together here at this point in the year, going into districts, it means a lot."

Brady Halter missed much of the season due to injury but returned to both good health and form in time for the MVC Tournament. The senior scored 15 points, split between the first and the fourth quarter to keep the Wildcats in the game early and complete the late surge.

"Besides what he's able to do with scoring," Poytner said, "just his leadership on the floor, helping to get everybody where they need to be, helping keep everybody settled down during the game."

Halter's seven points had the Wildcats within arm's reach of the Panthers, trailing 19-9 in the first quarter. The Wildcats played catchup throughout the first half. Tommy Beussink scored all 10 of his points in the second quarter to enter halftime trailing Meadow Heights 31-24.

Like passing the baton from kin to kin, it was Nolan Beussink's turn to provide the production for the Wildcats. All 13 of his points came in the second half to help turn it into a three-point game entering the fourth quarter.

Halter struck back with six points in a 12-7 fourth quarter that turned the tide and won the game and tournament for Leopold. Keedgan Deck only added seven points during the game but has long been one of the Wildcat's offensive focal points. He previously scored 15 points through three quarters in a 71-26 win over Marquand-Zion, who claimed third place in the tournament.

"The thing about Keegan, the most important thing is he's a big part of our offense," Poyner said. "He understands how important is it to get other people the ball at the right points during the game. He's not looking to force shots."

With games left three of which are at home, the Wildcats have an opportunity to finish the regular season with their first .500 or winning season since winning a district title in 2020. Leopold will first travel to Farmington, Mo., to take on St. Paul Lutheran on Saturday, Feb. 3, at noon.

Meadow Heights was led by Mason Mayfield, who scored 15 points, followed by 11 from Damion Hulbert and Braeden Hays. The Panthers (8-8) will host Woodland on Monday, Feb. 5, in a boys-girls doubleheader.