STRAFFORD — Sparta’s tournament title drought continues.
The Trojans fell to Strafford 61-59 in the Strafford Tournament championship game Saturday.
Sparta has not won a tournament championship in at least 14 years. The Missouri State High Schools Activities Association documents results only as far back as the 2008-09 season.
In a rematch of last season’s Class 3 District 11 title tilt, Strafford jumped on top 18-7 and had to hold off a second-half explosion by Sparta center Jacob Lafferty.
Lafferty scored 27 of his 31 points in second half. He had 18 in fourth quarter alone.
Sparta (3-1) made more free throws than field goals. The Trojans were 20-of-32 from the free-throw line.
Strafford hit 11 3-pointers, outscoring Sparta 33-9 beyond the arc.
The Indians nearly gave the game away by making just 7-of-16 free throws in the fourth quarter.
Former Ozark product Cody Voysey led Strafford with five 3-pointers and 23 points.
Walker Loveland added a dozen points and Dexter Loveland 11 for Sparta.
Strafford 61, Sparta 59
SPARTA (59) — W. Loveland 2 8-11 12, Walker 1 0-0 3, Letterman 1 0-0 2, Lafferty 10 10-18 31, D. Loveland 4 2-3 11.
STRAFFORD (61) — McNew 1 0-1 2, Rael 3 4-6 11, Voysey 7 4-8 23, Willard 1 0-0 3, Mullins 1 0-0 3, Berg 1 0-2 3, Goings 5 0-5 10, Edelstein 1 0-0 3, Ross 1 0-0 3.
Sparta 12 10 14 23 - 59
Strafford 21 5 18 17 - 61
3-point goals - Voysey 5, Willard, Rael, Mullins, Berg, Edelstein, Ross, Lafferty, D. Loveland, Walker.