SPRINGFIELD - The Jefferson City Lady Jays opened the Stephanie Phillips Classic at Kickapoo High School with a 55-51 win against the host Lady Chiefs on Wednesday.
Jefferson City, ranked No. 3 in Class 5, is now 4-0 this season.
Caitlin Anderson scored 19 points to lead the Lady Jays against the 2017 Class 5 runners-up, and Micah Linthacum added 11.
Kickapoo, No. 1 in Class 5, led 14-12 after the first quarter, but Jefferson City's defense held the Lady Chiefs to seven second-quarter points and the Lady Jays entered halftime with a 26-21 lead. Kickapoo tied the game at 34 at the end of the third quarter and limited Jefferson City to eight points in the quarter, but a 21-point fourth quarter carried the Lady Jays to victory.
Jefferson City plays at 4:30 p.m. Friday against Parkview and 1:30 p.m. Saturday against Nixa in the event.
The Lady Jays JV team lost to Kickapoo 39-38.