NMS eighth-graders steadily improving, defeat Stockton

Michelle Workman/Daily Mail/ Cameron Holcomb, number 5, fights for possession of the ball against Stockton Thursday night.

Nevada Daily Mail

After spending all but the last two weeks of the season missing key players, the eighth-grade Nevada Lady Tigers meshed as a team to defeat the Stockton Tigers 26-20, at home Thursday night.

"We played the best we have all year long," Nevada head coach Gail Wilson said. "That's what I've been waiting for. I knew they had it in them."

Michelle Workman/Daily Mail/ Gail Wilson's eighth-grade Nevada Tigers employ their signature 2-1-2 zone defense against Stockton Thursday night. Pictured are: Hailey Jackson (10), Cameron Holcomb (5), and Carlie McCaffree (24).

Nevada held a 3-8 record going into the game, facing a Stockton team that beat them soundly the previous season, Wilson said. But Wilson added that the girls faced their last home game with a determination to win.

"They played hard," she said.

In the first half, Nevada struggled offensively, committing several turnovers while also getting into foul trouble. But a high number of rebounds ---- likely the highest all season, Wilson said ---- kept them in the game, as they only trailed by one at the half, 9-8.

Six of their eight points came from point guard Hailey Jackson, who led the team with eight points for the evening.

At that point, Nevada took over on offense as they outscored Stockton 8-0 in the third quarter. Two of those points came when Jackson made both free throws after a technical foul was called on Stockton's coach for questioning a call.

Nevada's 16-9 lead going into the fourth quarter tied their greatest lead of the night as Stockton fought their way back to within two near the end of the game. However, Nevada took advantage of fouls, steals and travels called on their opponents, while limiting their own mistakes, to grab their fourth win of the season.

"That's what happens," Wilson said of finally having the team accustomed to playing with each other. "You put it together."

Wilson said it is unfortunate that unity didn't come until near the end of the season, but said she saw steady improvements throughout the season. Though they struggled with their offense, Wilson said they have especially excelled at their defensive game through the year.

"They all did a super job on defense," Wilson said, saying she had no complaints of the game other than their loose control of the ball at times.

Emily Johnson, one of two players who missed much of the season, scored six points, all coming in the fourth quarter. Courtney Leeker, Naudea Dodds and Carlie McCafree each had four points.

Nevada plays in the Tri-county Tournament Monday. A win would lead to two more games while a loss means the end of their season.