There is absolutely nothing like a Saturday night under the lights when a state championship is on the line, and right now, the sun is shining incredibly bright over Willard! After a heart-stopping, dramatic 9-8 victory over St. Dominic to capture the state title, we had the absolute privilege of sitting down with Willard Tigers baseball head coach Scott McGee and his son, standout catcher Jarrett McGee. It was a morning filled with reflection, laughter, and the kind of raw emotion you only get when a legendary high school sports chapter comes to a perfect close.

Holding on for Dear Life at Third Base

We started off the conversation breaking down what will go down as one of the wildest final frames in Ozarks high school baseball history. Up 9-3 entering the final inning, the Tigers watched their lead evaporate as St. Dominic fought back fiercely to make it 9-8. But as we always say on the show, you just have to find a way to win by one. True to the program’s foundation of strict fundamentals, the game was decided when Matthew Burns held a tag at third base on a runner who over-slid the bag after an aggressive relay throw from Kyler to Cade. Coach McGee noted they had practiced that exact scenario on wet turf just days prior, proving that championship details are won long before the final pitch is thrown.

Jarrett McGee’s Final Statement

Jarrett McGee put on a absolute clinic at the plate, driving in four crucial RBIs in his final game wearing the Willard uniform. Jarrett admitted he’d been seeing the ball incredibly well since the quarterfinals. When asked about facing the St. Dominic arms, Jarrett didn’t hold back, noting it was some of the most manageable pitching they had seen deep in the bracket, and the Tigers’ lineup was fully prepared to pounce. Jarrett is keeping the pads on as he prepares to transition to the college level this fall down at Missouri Southern.

The Unstoppable Legacy of Levi Hilton

We couldn’t let Coach McGee leave without asking about the historic legacy of ace Levi Hilton. Hilton put together a postseason run for the ages, securing three complete shutouts against state-ranked powerhouses Webb City, Marshfield, and Platte County—including a dominant 10-0 semifinal win. Coach McGee perfectly summarized Hilton’s dominance: scouts write down what hitters look for, but at the end of the day, absolutely nobody hits Levi’s fastball.

A True Community Champion & Passing the Torch

This win wasn’t just for the guys on the field; it was a victory for the entire Willard community. Coach McGee marveled at the massive crowds that traveled, creating an atmosphere that felt like a packed football student section right at a baseball diamond. It marks the perfect storybook ending for the father-son duo, especially as Coach McGee officially steps down and passes the program’s reins to long-time assistant and former player Trevor Bowling.