MOLINE, Ill. – The MVC tournament MVP might have been a surprise to folks in attendance at TaxSlayer Center in Moline, Illinois – even those fans donning maroon and white.
But it would be no surprise to anyone at Stoutland High School. Needless to say, they were partying in Lebanon, Missouri, on Sunday.
Alexa Willard scored a career-best 30 points on the biggest stage to drive a dagger into the Goliath that has tormented Valley opponents since she arrived on campus in 2016.
More: Going dancing! Lady Bears win MVC Tournament title, claim NCAA Tournament bid
The junior forward will make her first appearance in the NCAA tournament as the Lady Bears routed nationally-ranked and top-seeded Drake, 94-79, to claim the MVC tournament crown and automatic bid.