Nevada boys stopped cold at Warrensburg

By Joe Warren

Nevada Daily Mail

WARRENSBURG -- Head Coach John McNeley didn't last the first half and the Nevada Tigers were held scoreless for nearly nine minutes in the second half as the Warrensburg Tigers won the matchup between Class 4, District 10 teams, 47-36.

Brad Harper had 22 points and seven rebounds to lead Warrensburg, as the Central Missouri-bound 6-4 senior dominated the first half.

Harper had 15 points before the break, but the biggest story of the game came in the second quarter when McNeley picked up two quick technical fouls and was ejected.

The first technical came with 1:50 left in the first half and Nevada (7-4) trailing 20-17. Junior Trevor Hinkle was called for an illegal screen and McNeley confronted the referee about how the call was made, prompting the first technical foul to be called.

Harper shot the free throws and made them both to put Warrensburg up 22-17.

After only eight seconds ticked off the clock, McNeley was called for another technical by a different official, prompting his ejection from the gym. Assistant coach Andy Smith was forced to take over the reigns when McNeley was tossed.

"I'm the guy that's responsible for it happening," McNeley said. "I'm going to accept responsibility."

Harper made one of two free throws following the second technical call, and Warrensburg scored on the ensuing possession (two more Harper free throws) to make it a five-point swing.

Warrensburg led 25-19 at halftime and a good defensive effort in the second half made the difference.

Nevada tied the game at 27 on an 8-0 run early in the third period. Jordan Kerbs hit a 3-pointer, Spencer Thompson scored a bucket and James Tumm had an old-fashioned 3-point play during the stretch that had the game tied with 4:29 left in the third period.

Tumm's basket and free throw were the last points Nevada would tally until Thompson scored again with 3:48 left in the game. The dry spell allowed Warrensburg to build a 36-27 lead and Nevada got no closer than seven the rest of the way.

Bryan Campbell hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to give him 11 points, the only Nevada player in double figures.

Harper was the only Warrensburg player in double digits.