Nevada eighth-graders defeat Carthage, pick up fifth consecutive victory

Ralph Pokorny/Daily Mail/ Nevada Tigers forward Matt Thompson drives into heavy traffic, during Monday night's 45-31 victory over Carthage.

The Nevada Tigers eighth-grade basketball team defeated Carthage 45-31 Monday night at home, earning their fifth consecutive victory.

Nevada forward Matt Thompson had a monster game, finishing with 26 points.

The win improves Nevada to 7-1.

Ralph Pokorny/Daily Mail/ Nevada Middle School eighth-grade head basketball coach Lance Sargent, draws up a play during his team's 45-31 home victory over Carthage, Monday night.

Nevada jumped out to a 13-3 lead after one quarter of play. Thompson scored nine first quarter points, including a 3-pointer.

The Tigers outscored Carthage 11-6 in the second quarter, to take a 24-9 halftime lead. Thompson had 13 at the half, while Carter Swearingen added four.

The teams played to a 12-12 draw in the third quarter, with Thompson knocking down four shots from the field, for eight third quarter points.

The Tigers were outscored by Carthage 10-9 in the fourth quarter, for the final 14 point margin.

Nevada's Will Johnson finished with seven points, while Swearingen added six. Rounding out Nevada's scoring, Kayden Ast ended the night with four, and Logan Bradley two.

Upcoming schedule

Feb. 3: Seneca, 5:30 p.m., away

Feb. 5: Joplin South, 5:30 p.m., home

Feb. 10: Neosho, 5:30 p.m., away

Feb. 12: Joplin North, 5:30 p.m., away

Feb. 16-19, Tri-County Tournament (eighth-graders play at Webb City, seventh-graders host tournament).

Seventh-graders

The Nevada seventh-grade basketball team fell 47-36 at home to Carthage Monday. Nevada's Austin Bash scored 23 points.

The B-team lost to Carthage 33-2.