Nevada High School hosts district basketball pep assembly

Alex Doak takes one of his three shots during the 3-point shooting contest that was part of Thursday's pep assembly.

Nevada Daily Mail

All eyes were on the seniors Thursday afternoon at the annual district basketball tournament pep assembly, held inside Wynn Gymnasium at Nevada High School.

Athletic director Kevin McKinley led the festivities that included a 3-point shooting contest between the seniors from the Tigers and Lady Tigers basketball squads, a boy-girl dance routine organized by the NHS dance team and Senior Night activities for both the dance team and head coach John McNeley's Tigers, since the game that was originally scheduled against Kansas City Northeast Law and Public Service to celebrate this year's senior class was snowed out on Feb. 22. Before those festivities began, McKinley presented a series of plaques in appreciation for the services and aid provided to the Nevada High School athletic programs.

Lady Tigers senior Tori Dahmer takes one of her three shots during the 3-point shooting contest at Thursday's pep assembly. The boys' team, made up of seniors Silas Smith, Alex Doak, Jamin Brandt and Nathan Colopy, won the contest, 7-6.

A performance from the high school pep band both opened and closed the day's festivities.

The Lady Tigers and head coach Brent Bartlett began their quest for a district championship Thursday night, taking on Carthage in the tournament semifinals. The Lady Tigers entered the game 2-1 this season against Carthage before falling by a final score of 49-32 to bring an end to their season and the high school careers of their four seniors.

McNeley's Tigers were originally scheduled to be in action on the night as well, but the recent winter storm forced tournament officials to push the first round of the boy's tournament back to Thursday. The Tigers are now set to compete tonight, taking on the winner of Thursday night's game between McDonald County and Carl Junction, at 6 p.m., at Carthage High School.

Seniors Silas Smith, Jamin Brandt, Nathan Colopy and Alex Doak were all honored during Thursday's pep assembly at Nevada High School in recognition for their playing careers.