Coyotes and Lady Coyotes Compete in 100th Monroe City Tournament

The Coyotes and Lady Coyotes entered the longest-running tournament in the State of Missouri as #6 seeds in both respective brackets. The Coyotes opened play on Monday against Marion County. The Coyotes and Mustangs played a nearly even first quarter before the Mustangs took control in the second quarter and did not look back. The Coyotes trailed 12-13 at the end of the first quarter, but Marion's second-quarter run put the Coyotes behind 34-21. Marion outpaced Paris 17-4 in the third quarter to build a 51-25 lead. Paris had a big 4th quarter, but it was too little, too late as they fell 49-67. Zeek Turner led the way with 12 points and 5 rebounds. Cayden Poddany added 10 points. 

The Lady Coyotes opened play against Class 3 Palmyra and surprised the Lady Panthers with a very competitive game. Paris took their only lead of the game at 6-5 in the first quarter but kept within striking distance throughout the entire game. Paris had opportunities to tie the game late in the fourth quarter but was unable to hit a game-tying 3. The Lady Coyotes trailed by 1 at the end of the first, 3 at halftime, 4 entering the fourth quarter. Reese Sutton led the way with 15 points and 14 rebounds. Melanie Moore added 6 points, 6 assists, and 7 steals. 8 Lady Coyotes scored in the opening round loss. 

The boys were back in action against Louisiana in the Consolation semi-finals. Paris led early and throughout most of the game, but faltered down the stretch against the Bulldogs. Paris held their largest lead of the game, 22-15 at the midway point of the third quarter, only to see the Bulldogs close the quarter on a run. Paris still led by 3, 30-27 entering the fourth quarter, but Louisiana closed the game with a 15-8 advantage in the fourth to close out the Coyotes chances. With the 38-42 loss, Paris was eliminated from the tournament. Cayden Poddany led the Coyotes with 13 points and 8 rebounds. Luke Ensor was also in double-digits with 10 points and he pulled down 9 rebounds. 

The Lady Coyotes Consolation Semi-final was against Mark Twain. The Lady Coyotes struggled in the opening quarters of both halves but went on big runs in the second and fourth quarters to pick up a 56-45 victory. Scores at the quarters were MT 16, PHS 13, halftime, PHS 30, MT 24, third quarter, PHS 42, MT 38, and final score PHS 56, MT 45. Paris was led by Reese Sutton with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Melanie Moore added 11 points, 7 assists, and 6 steals. Kennedy Ashenfelter added 8 points, Emma Ashenfelter and Ava Crain each added 7 points. 

The Lady Coyotes faced off against Marion County in the Consolation Championship. The Lady Coyotes appeared to take control early in the game, building a 14-5 advantage early in the second quarter. The Lady Coyotes were not able to build on their lead from that point on, but still led 20-13 at halftime. The Lady Coyotes offense went ice cold in the third quarter and the Lady Mustangs took advantage, roaring back to take a 27-23 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Paris found some of their offensive rhythm back, but it was too little too late as Marion County held on for a 37-33 victory. For the game, the Lady Coyotes shot 25% on 2-point field goals, 21.4% on 28 3-point field goal attempts, and 3/14 from the free throw line, good for 21.4% also. No Lady Coyotes reached double-figures in the loss, Reese Sutton led the way with 9 points and 14 rebounds. Sophia Crusha added 8 points. 

Both teams return to play on Monday as they open Lewis and Clark Conference play at home against North Shelby.