NMS eighth-graders advance to Tri-County title game

WEBB CITY ---- The Nevada Tigers boys eighth-grade basketball team came from behind late, pulling out a 41-39 thriller over Joplin South in the semifinals of the Tri-County Basketball Tournament, Thursday night.

Nevada trailed by as much as nine points in the fourth quarter, before taking the lead in the final seconds.

Nevada forward Matt Thompson scored a team-high 16 points, Carter Swearingen added 15, and forward Will Johnson chipped in with 10.

With the win, Nevada improves to 15-1, as they prepare to face Carl Junction in Friday night's title clash.

The second-seeded Tigers lone loss of the season came at the hands of top-seeded Carl Junction, Jan. 20, when they were bested 40-29 in Nevada.

Nevada head coach Lance Sargent was complimentary of Carl Junction after the Jan. 20 contest.

"Carl Junction (hasn't)lost a game in a year and a half. They're a good team, and I'm not displeased. We just played intimidated early," Sargent said.

The game is set to tip off at 6:30 p.m., at Webb City Junior High.