NHS varsity boys derailed by McDonald County

The Nevada Tigers boys basketball team fell to 0-3 after being defeated 63-46 by McDonald County in the second round of the Carthage Tournament Thursday night.

The Tigers kept it close early, trailing 29-26 at the half.

However, Nevada was outscored 16-5 in the third quarter, as McDonald County began to pull away.

"We played much harder tonight than we have previously and the boys gave a good effort," Nevada head coach Shaun Gray said. "Unfortunately, some mental errors left shooters open in the third quarter and we let the Mustangs pull away after we had pulled within 1."

Gray said he was familiar with the opponent.

"Having coached there for several years previous to my coming to Nevada, we had them scouted as good as anyone and knew exactly what each player could do," he said. "

During McDonald County's third quarter run, junior Max Dill drilled three consecutive 3-pointers. Dill connected on five trey's in total, finishing with 18 points.

"Unfortunately, even though we knew Dill was an excellent shooter we left him open for four or five three's, and he connected," Gray said. "Even after timeout's were called to adjust, he still managed to find an opening. McDonald County is a high quality team and we can't have slip-ups like that against good teams."

Gray said the Tigers fought hard in the fourth quarter.

"After getting in a hole in the third our boys battled hard and never gave up," he said. "Unfortunately, it was too big a hole for us to overcome."

"Our rebounding was much better tonight and I was pleased with how we came out and competed."

Nevada's Brandon Barker connected on three 3-pointers and finished with a team-high 16 points. In all 10 Tigers scored.