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Charles’ 16 leads Nevada past McDonald County in opening round of Carl Junction Classic
Nevada High School sophomore forward Teagan Charles scored 16 points, including four in the final minute as the Lady Tigers turned back McDonald County 51-47 Monday in the opening round of the Carl Junction Classic.
Nevada (1-2) returned to the court Tuesday, falling to Neosho in the semifinals, 34-33.
Against McDonald County, Nevada led throughout most of the first half, but held just a two-point lead early in the third quarter. Sophomore sharpshooter Payge Dhamer drilled a 3-pointer to hand the Lady Tigers a 33-28 advantage, as Nevada eventually stretched its lead to 11. A McDonald County fourth quarter surge trimmed Nevada’s lead to 50-47 with 20 seconds remaining in regulation. Nevada sophomore guard Hailee Lundine connected on 1-of-2 free throws with 12 seconds remaining, putting the Lady Tigers on top by the final 51-47 margin.
Charles was big-time down the stretch for Nevada, sinking 3-of-4 from the charity stripe in the fourth, and 6-of-9 for the game. Nevada point guard Calli Beshore added 11 points, hitting 7-of-8 from the free throw line, while Dahmer chipped in 9, knocking down three 3-pointers.
Lady Tigers head coach Brent Bartlett, said he was pleased with his squad’s performance, as Nevada (1-1) grinded out its first victory of the season.
“We made 17-of-23 free throws for the game and 8-of-10 in the fourth quarter,” noted Bartlett. “I’m proud of how we competed, and very pleased to get the victory.”
Bartlett said he was impressed with the play of power forward, Charles.
“She had a tremendous game,” said Bartlett. “We did a good job of feeding her the ball in the post.”
Added Bartlett: “The big thing for us is taking care of the basketball. We got a little bit nervous with the ball, and rushed some passes. But we’ll take the victory, it was a good win.”
Also in opening round play on Monday, Neosho throttled Jasper 47-28; host Carl Junction steamrolled Seneca, 60-20; while Webb City (JV) toppled Liberal, 47-41.
Neosho 34, Nevada 33
The Lady Tigers trailed 14-10 after one quarter of play, as Neosho led 19-18 at halftime. The defensive battle continued through the third, as Neosho held a 26-25 advantage entering the final frame.
Aided by the long-range shooting of Beshore, the Lady Tigers went in front, leading at various junctures of the fourth quarter. With Nevada clinging to a 33-32 lead with 2 seconds remaining in regulation, Makayla Hayes stepped to the line in the double-bonus.
Hayes missed both free throw attempts, however, Emilee Kivett corralled the offensive rebound on the second misfire and went up for the lay-in to put Neosho on top 34-33.
A last gasp attempt came up short for the Lady Tigers.
For Nevada, Beshore finished with a team-high 11 points, while Dahmer chipped in 9, and Hailey Jackson, 6.
“It was a heartbreaker,” said Bartlett, “but I was really proud of how the girls played — they competed very hard.”
The Lady Tigers return to the court for Thursday’s third-place matchup with the Webb City Lady Cardinals, slated for 7 p.m.
Harrisonville JV tournament
The Nevada Lady Tiger junior varsity basketball team was in action Monday and Tuesday at the Harrisonville junior varsity basketball tournament.
In opening round play, the Lady Tigers coasted past Lutheran, 39-7. For Nevada, freshman Tylin Heathman finished with a game-high 15 points, while fellow freshman Alison Bower added 11.
The Lady Tigers continued their dominant play in the semifinals Tuesday, hammering Harrisonville, 50-15. Heathman and Bower again led the way, concluding the contest with 17 points apiece, as the Lady Tigers (3-0) advance to play in tonight’s title game against Butler. Tip off is slated for 7 p.m.
Lady Tigers junior varsity head coach, Blake Howarth, said he couldn’t be more pleased with his squad’s play to open the season.
“This group of girls have a had a great start to the season,” said Howarth. “It’s been exciting to watch them play, the way they have competed in the first three games.”
Added Howarth: “We’re looking forward to the championship game Wednesday night against Butler. We need to compete at (the same) high level and come out with energy.”