NMS seventh-graders edged by Webb City in Tri-County semifinal

JOPLIN ---- After leading Webb City 18-9 at halftime during the semifinals of the Tri-County tournament Tuesday, the Nevada Middle School seventh-grade girls basketball team was unable to hold on, losing 28-26.

The loss moves Nevada to 12-2 on the year, with both defeats coming against Webb City.

The seventh-graders concluded their season Thursday night, in the tournament's third-place game against Neosho. Check Saturday's edition for a recap of the game.

In a tight game, Nevada's free throw shooting proved costly, as they connected at only an 11 percent clip.

"One thing that came back to bite us again was our poor free throw shooting," Nevada head coach Danny Penn said. "We were 2 for 18 for the game. Needless to say, if we even shoot 50 percent for the game, it's a different story."

Penn said his squad was executing well in the first half.

"We came out and played great in the first half," he said. "We were attacking the basket and passing to the open person whenever a defender came to help. The only negative in the first half was that our posts got into a little foul trouble."

According to Penn, the second half was an entirely different story.

"We got stagnant offensively," he said. "Webb City was pressing us, and we did a good job of breaking their press. However, once we got the ball across mid-court, we started standing around a lot."

Foul woes persisted for the Tigers into the second half.

"Our posts continued to be in foul trouble," Penn said. "So we weren't able to work the ball inside as much. As a result, Webb's defense was able to be more aggressive on our wings."

With a trip to the championship game on the line, Nevada needed a late bucket.

"We had a chance in the last minute, but our execution wasn't great," Penn said.

For the Tigers, Hailee Lundine scored a team-high nine points, while forward Jadeann Highley added eight.

"As it is, we'll get ready for our Thursday game against Neosho and look forward to ending our season with a win," Penn said.