TJ girls basketball seeks 1st conference title in 19 years

Feb. 14—The Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School girls basketball team has an opportunity to do something it hasn't done in nearly 20 years when it plays at McAuley Catholic High School on Thursday night.

The Cavaliers (14-9, 4-0) haven't won an Ozark 7 Conference championship outright since the 2004-05 season. That was 19 seasons ago.

"I'm 25 years old, so I was a kid the last time TJ girls basketball won conference," TJ head coach Lindsey Showalter said. "It would be huge for these girls and this program. I am blessed to be leading them and to have this opportunity. I have tried to instill a winning culture with this group of girls and that begins with camaraderie, positive attitudes, consistency, hard work, discipline and buying in and we have that going for us. The girls have bought in and they have worked hard all season despite the adversity we have faced."

TJ started the season 5-1 but a four-game skid caused them to fall to a .500 record and it has been fighting to improve its season record since. The only losses since the calendar turned to Jan. have been to Galena (Kan.), Northeast Vernon County, Lamar and East Newton.

Lamar is a Class 3 opponent and East Newton is Class 4.

In the way of that title is McAuley Catholic (7-17). While the record may not show a positive season for the Warriors, they've won five of their last nine games. McAuley earned a win at Bronaugh in its last contest on Tuesday.

"We know how dangerous McAuley can be, and we will have to continue to stay disciplined to accomplish this goal," TJ head coach Lindsey Showalter said. "We set our goals early in the summer and this is one of the goals we have been working towards. We talk about it every day: staying true to our identity. Tomorrow, we get an opportunity to show that."

TJ is riding a four-game win streak coming into the game. It has defeated Exeter, College Heights, Verona and Wheaton for the conference victories this year. Golden City is in the Ozark 7 but did not have a team this year.

A loss on Thursday would send the Cavaliers into a tie for the conference championship with College Heights as both teams would finish 4-1 in conference play.