Tigers trump Webb City in double-overtime thriller

Wednesday, January 11, 2017
Nevada Tigers point guard Logan Applegate blows by a defender during a 2016 contest. Applegate is averaging 20.5 points per game to open the 2017 season. (Photo by Matt Resnick/Daily Mail)

The Nevada Tigers eighth-grade basketball team picked up precisely where it left off last season ---- beating Webb City in double overtime.

As seventh-graders, the same Nevada Middle School group defeated Webb City in the Tri-County Conference championship game ---- a double overtime thriller, capping its season 15-0.

The TCC rivals re-matched in Nevada's season-opener Monday night in Webb City, as the Tigers triumphed 46-43 in double overtime. Meanwhile, Nevada's eighth-grade B-team was defeated 31-13

The Tigers (2-0) were led by point guard Logan Applegate, who finished with a game-high 21 points, while forward Logan McNeley chipped in with 10.

Nevada trailed 10-2, before closing the first quarter on a 10-1 run to take a one point lead.

"The second quarter we came out and continued to be hot," Tigers eighth-grade coach Lance Sargent said. "We hit some three's and were up 12 at halftime."

Sargent said Webb City utilized a press in the third quarter, creating turnovers that allowed them to get back in the contest, as Nevada held a slim lead entering the fourth quarter.

The teams battled back-and-fourth for the duration of the fourth quarter, as Nevada was in possession of the ball with the game tied and playing for the final shot.

"We ran a little clear-out (for Applegate)," Sargent said. "He got off a mid-range jumper at the buzzer and missed."

During the first two-minute overtime session, Nevada led by three with under a minute remaining. Webb, however, was able to tie the score on a traditional three-point play (capitalizing off a Nevada turnover the possession prior).

According to Sargent, Applegate nearly drilled a half-court heave at the horn ---- but to no avail as the game headed into a second extra session.

The Tigers quickly took control of the second overtime, going up four points as Nevada never relinquished its lead.

'Webb was already good last year, and have added a new post player that transferred in from Joplin who makes them even better. "

Sargent said he was pleases with his squad's season-debut.

"Any time you can go into Webb City and compete against these types of athletes and get the win, it's a good thing," he said.

"Our kids really stepped up when it mattered. We made some mistakes we're going to have to eliminate come Tri-County (tournament) time."

On a positive note, Sargent said he was trilled with the way his team hit the glass.

"I was really pleased with the way we rebounded," he said. "I was worried going into the game that we wouldn't block out very well."

Sargent continued, "The effort from the entire team was great. I wasn't disappointed with anybody's play. And we kept our composure when the fouling got rough. I was really proud of the guys for that."

Sargent said that in his 22-years coaching boys junior high basketball (that next to his son) Applegate is the highest IQ player he has ever coached.

"He definitely has one of the highest basketball IQs for his age," Sargent said of his lighting quick point guard.

Fort Scott contest

The Tigers improved to 2-0 on the young season with a decisive 47-25 victory over Fort Scott (Kan.) Middle School, Tuesday night in Fort Scott.

For the Tigers, Applegate poured in a game-high 20 points, while center Ben Hines chipped in 16 and Kayden Denny, 6.

The Tigers B-team was defeated 37-34. For Nevada, Riley Trotter finished with 11 points and Wesley Balk, 10.

Seventh-grade Tigers

The Nevada Tiger seventh-grade boys team opened its season over the weekend at the Frontenac (Kan.) Tournament.

The Tigers (0-4) season-debut came against Pittsburg (Kan.) as Nevada fell 39-26. The Tigers were then defeated 49-22 by host Frontenac.

Nevada's Kartman Highley finished with a team-high 6 points against Pittsburg, while Eli Cheaney and Evan Rea pitched in with 6 points apiece against Frontenac.

The seventh-grade Tigers were also in action Monday against Webb City, as Nevada was edged 45-39. For the Tigers, Cheaney dropped in a dozen points.

The Tigers B-team fell to Webb 34-21 as Rea scored a team-high 13 points.

The Tigers returned to the court Tuesday, the teams fourth consecutive road game, as they were bested by Fort Scott (Kan.) Middle School, 40-26. For Nevada, Cheaney finished with a team-high 12 points.

Nevada's B-team bested Fort Scott 23-16, as Ethan Gravely finished with 6 points.

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