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Fourth quarter surge sparks Nevada blowout victory of Lamar, 67-49
A 16-0 fourth quarter run resulted in an emphatic 67-49 victory for the Nevada High School boys basketball team over Lamar Tuesday night.
The Big 8 Conference West division road victory moved the Tigers to 7-5 overall and 1-0 in Big 8 West play.
“Our kids played with a ton of energy and enthusiasm,” said Nevada head coach Shaun Gray. “They played together, and had fun together — this was a fun one to be a part of.”
Nevada led 16-14 at the conclusion of the first quarter, as NHS power forward Dalton Gayman poured in 11 points in the opening frame — which included a 9-of-10 performance from the charity stripe.
The contest remained tight, as Nevada held a slim 31-29 advantage at the break, and led 49-46 entering the fourth. Nevada then blew the doors of the contest in the final stanza, outscoring Lamar, 18-3, accounting for the final 18-point margin of victory.
“Our fourth quarter defense is something that we’re really proud of, holding them to three points,” said Gray. “And we held their best shooter to one (field goal).”
Gayman’s breakout performance included 24 points and 12 rebounds, as the 6-foot-6 junior collected his second consecutive double-double.
“We did a good job of getting the ball into the low and high post,” noted Gray. “Dalton was very strong and powerful inside. He also shot it well from the free throw line, which was huge.”
Added Gray: “Our guards shot it well, with a balanced 3-point attack. Matthew Thompson passed it well, and Logan Applegate operated well from the high post.”
In addition to Gayman’s dynamite offensive production, Thompson (13) and Applegate (12) joined the double-figure scoring club, while Logan McNeley, picture above, chipped in nine points.
“It was a true team effort, and another step in the right direction,” said Gray. “We have to keep working to get better defensively, and take better care of the ball.”
In the junior varsity contest Nevada was defeated 40-19. Nevada also fell in the freshman game, 50-16.
Gray added that he was thrilled with the turnout of Nevada Tiger faithful. “Our fans were great, and we had a huge student-section make the trip. Shoutout to the traveling Tiger cage that energized us.”
Up next
Nevada returns to the court Friday, for a Big 8 Conference West division clash with East Newton High School. Tip off is slated for approximately 7 p.m.