NEVC girls hold off Bronaugh in GVVC tourney

By Floyd Jernigan

Nevada Daily Mail

WALKER -- In a game marred by fouls and turnovers, Northeast Vernon County's girls held off Bronaugh, 56-50, Friday night to clinch third in the GVVCC tournament.

The Knights attempted 42 free throws, converting 18, while Bronaugh wen 5-for-12.

The Lady Knights led the entire game, but the Wildcats stayed within striking distance and managed a tie with 4 minutes left.

Martell Moore dropped in a soft jumper for the Wildcats to tie the game at 10 but Camille Buttorff scored inside to regain the advantage for the Lady Knights.

That started an 8-0 run, capped by Ryann Ford's shot with just over 6 minutes showing.

The margin grew to 29-16 as the Knights continued to roll, with Ford scoring on a follow shot and Buttorff adding a free throw at 1:12.

Raper knocked down two free throws for Bronaugh to pull her team within 29-19 at the half.

Buttorff had 10 and Ford eight at the break to pace NEVC, while Raper and Breanna Householder each netted six to lead Bronaugh.

Raper put in a follow shot following Buttorff's basket, resulting in a 42-36 third-quarter score.

It was Raper who connected to get her team within 44-42 with 4:52 remaining.

Moore scored on a 12-footer for Bronaugh to tie the game at 46 with 4:08 left.

Shelby Wilkins hit on a 3-pointer 14 seconds later for NEVC. Raper got another follow shot for the Wildcats before Karleigh Conner made one of two at the line for a 50-48 Knights lead.

The teams missed the next seven shots and Bronaugh was guilty of two turnovers before Buttorff scored on a rebound basket for a 52-48 Northeast Vernon County lead at 1:53.

The Knights missed six free throws in the final minute but Bronaugh couldn't take advantage and the Wildcats failed to score over the final minute, 12 seconds. Three turnovers and two missed shots kept them scoreless.

Camille Buttorff keyed NEVC with 18 points. She was joined in double figures by Ryann Ford and Shelby Wilkins with 11 and Payton Hays with 10.

Martell Moore and Amanda Raper both put in 14 for Bronaugh, while Breanna Householder added 10.