Tigers face grand challenge in district title game

Friday, March 3, 2017
The 1979-80 Nevada Tigers rejoice after claiming the program's first district basketball championship. Pictured second from left: Current Nevada High athletic director, John McNeley. Pictured in background, to right: Former NHS athletic director, Kevin McKinley. (Submitted photo)

One team stands between the Nevada Tigers and its first district basketball championship since 1998.

The path, however, is daunting as the second-seeded Tigers match up with top-seeded Grandview in tonight's featured event ---- the Class 4 District 12 championship game in Clinton. Tip off is slated for 7:30 p.m.

On a collision course with Grandview, Nevada (23-3) enters on an 18-game win streak, while the Bulldogs (22-4) have won 13 of their past 14 contests.

Grandview preview

Of utmost concern for Nevada is Grandview junior Jordan Lathon. According to rivals.com the explosive 6-foot-4 combo guard has been extended a host of Division I scholarship offers, including from the University of Colorado, DePaul University, Butler, Boise State, Air Force and Tulsa. In addition Oklahoma and Kansas have shown interest.

"(Lathon) is an absolutely stud guard," Nevada head coach Shaun Gray marveled.

Lathon enters the contest averaging 16.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.5 steals per game. While Grandview doesn't have much interior size, they make up for it with overall athleticism.

"They're a super athletic team at all positions, and long," Gray said. "They like to get out in transition and take quick shots. They shoot the 3-ball extremely well."

Grandview's most formidable post match-up is the 6-foot-4, 230 pound Cartez Crook-Jones, who also plays defensive end and tight end for Grandview's football team.

"Crook-Jones is as thick and strong of a kid as you'll see at this level," Gray noted. "He looks like 'The Rock.'"

Grandview, however, utilizes a guard-oriented attack. Alongside Lathon on the perimeter is 5-9 junior Mason Taylor.

"(Taylor) is a guard who can absolutely stroke it," Gray said.

Gray said it will be key for his squad to dictate the pace, which will be made possible by executing offensively in the half court set.

"We cannot allow the game to turn into a track meet," he said. "It's similar to the way we've had to approach games against (Kansas City) Center and (Archbishop) O'Hara."

Gray continued: "Grandview is probably more skilled across the board than Center and O'Hara."

Gray said that in addition to keeping Grandview off the glass, Nevada will have to handle the Bulldogs full-court press.

"They extend the zone (press) in the full-court, and they trap out of it," he said. "Valuing the ball will be the No. 1 key for us."

Tiger tidbits

Gray confirmed that Nevada starting shooting guard Myles McNeley is "highly questionable" to play after suffering a concussion in Tuesday's semifinal victory over Warrensburg. Gray added that McNeley has entered the concussion protocol.

Nevada sophomore guard Carter Swearingen will likely play a key role if McNeley is unable to go.

District title squads

In the 79-year history of the basketball program, Nevada has won nine district championships. Its first district championship came in 1980 under head coach Steve Rutledge. Starring on the '80 team was former Nevada High athletic director, Kevin McKinley, and current NHS athletic director, John McNeley.

McKinley was an assistant coach on four of Nevada's district championship squads, while, McNeley was the head coach of the '98 team.

Tiger basketball district championship teams: 1980, 1982, 1985, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1996, and 1998

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