Nevada girls earn physical win at Warrensburg

Herald-Tribune

WARRENSBURG, Mo. -- In Brent Bartlett's opinion, his Nevada High School girls basketball team got pushed around in the first half of Friday's game at Warrensburg.

It was a different story in the second half.

Nevada finished strong in a 47-37 win over Warrensburg in a game with district implications.

And if you ask Bartlett, it came down to toughness.

"It was a rough game," he said. "We got pushed around in the first half. But our girls played more physical in the second half. We showed some toughness. It was one of the most physical games I've ever coached in."

The game was tied at 21 at the half, and the visiting Tigers were clinging to a slim lead entering the fourth quarter.

But that's when Nevada pulled away.

Freshman Morgan McNeley scored five-straight points to give Nevada some breathing room. The Tigers then held off the hosts late.

"We did some nice things in the fourth quarter," Bartlett said. "We hit some big shots, handled their pressure well and we made some free throws late."

Added Bartlett: "Our depth helped us be the fresher team in the fourth quarter. It's a real good win. I'm real proud of the girls."

Freshman Mikayla Bartlett scored 13 points to lead Nevada and classmate McNeley added 10. Senior Tiffani Long and junior Tori Dahmer added nine points apiece. Nevada improves to 5-1 on the season with the victory.

In the JV girls contest, Nevada won 32-23. Michaela Brewer scored 10.

Nevada 47, Warrensburg 37

Nevada: Tori Dahmer 9, Tiffani Long 9, Mikayla Bartlett 13, MacKenzie Pritchett 0, Megan Harper 0, Morgan McNeley 10, Kelsey McCall 6, Bailey Harbit 0, Ashley Shumaker 0.