Gold Division Championship: Nixa Outlasts Hartville in Physical Battle, Claims 13th Blue & Gold Title

By Skylan Akins | SWMOSports

In a championship defined by toughness, composure, and late execution, the top-seeded Nixa Eagles withstood a relentless challenge from the second-seeded Hartville Eagles, pulling away late for a 57–50 victory to capture the Gold Division championship.

The win gives Nixa its 13th Blue & Gold Tournament title and first since 2023, snapping a one-year hiatus after the Eagles’ back-to-back championship run ended last season.

Road to the Championship

Nixa entered the title game undefeated in tournament play, earning wins over unseeded Fair Grove, Strafford, and No. 5 Branson, showcasing depth and defensive pressure throughout the week.

Hartville arrived as the No. 2 seed, knocking off unseeded Spokane, Mt. Vernon, and West Plains, returning to the championship stage for the first time since 2020 while searching for its fourth tournament crown.

First Quarter: Hartville Sets the Tone

Hartville came out aggressive and confident, controlling the opening eight minutes behind a big quarter from Mason Cogdill. The Eagles dictated pace, finished inside, and kept Nixa from getting into rhythm early.

Hartville led 16–10 after one quarter.

Second Quarter: Nixa Finds Its Footing

The second quarter saw the game turn increasingly physical. Nixa ramped up its on-ball pressure, drawing fouls and baiting Hartville into multiple charges. One offensive foul gave Randy Flint his third personal, though Hartville still held a 24–17 lead with 2:50 remaining.

Momentum shifted when Cogdill picked up foul trouble and was forced to sit for the remainder of the half. Nixa immediately went to its press, forcing turnovers and converting on the other end.

The rally was capped when Ty Kellis knocked down a bucket at the buzzer, evening the score.

Tied 28–28 at halftime.

Third Quarter: Championship Grind

The third quarter was a defensive slugfest. Neither team found sustained separation as possessions became longer and more physical.

Nixa briefly gained the edge, leading 36–34 with 2:34 left, before Cogdill buried a three at the shot-clock buzzer, keeping Hartville within striking distance. Still, Nixa closed the quarter with control.

Nixa led 41–37 after three.

Fourth Quarter: McKnight Delivers

Hartville opened the fourth with a strong push, briefly reclaiming the lead. But the turning point came midway through the quarter.

Nixa forced several key turnovers, capitalized in transition, and built a 50–45 lead with 3:30 remaining. Moments later, Gus Sinning fouled out, leaving Hartville without a key interior presence.

From there, the Eagles turned to Adam McKnight.

McKnight controlled the paint, finished through contact, and calmly sealed the game at the free-throw line as Nixa closed out the championship.

Final Score

Nixa 57, Hartville 50

Scoring Leaders

Nixa Eagles

• Adam McKnight — 14 points

• Ty Kellis — 13 points

• Randy Flint — 13 points

• Braylon Smith — 5 points

Hartville Eagles

• Mason Cogdill — 17 points

• Truett Coryell — 12 points

• Jordan O’Quinn — 9 points

• Boone Garrison — 9 points

• Gus Sinning — 2 points

What It Means

• Nixa adds another chapter to its championship legacy, capturing its 13th Blue & Gold title with balance, discipline, and late-game execution.

• Hartville falls just short but proves once again it belongs among the tournament’s elite, reaching the championship for the first time since 2020.

In a game that demanded toughness on every possession, Nixa delivered when it mattered most — and once again walked off the Blue & Gold floor with the trophy.