NEOSHO, Mo. — The Neosho Wildcats extended their winning streak to four games and earned their 13th win of the season overall with a commanding 61-36 win on Monday over their long-standing rival McDonald County.
Neosho trailed just once Monday at 8-7 in the first quarter and the Wildcats already led by double digits halfway through the second quarter.
Offensively, senior Isaiah Green and junior Collier Hendricks combined for 38 points on the evening, while the Wildcats’ defense limited McDonald County to 10 points in the first, 10 in the second, seven in the third, and nine in the fourth.
Aside from their free throws, obviously, the Mustangs seemingly had no easy shots with everything contested by Wildcat defenders Monday.
“Four games in a row where we’ve held a team to 41 or under,” Neosho coach Zane Culp said. “Three out of those four 38 or less, so we’re starting to gel together defensively. We thought we could be a good defensive team, and I feel like we’re getting better and better at it so that’s good to see.”
Neosho held Carl Junction to 38 points to start the winning streak and then Webb City to 41 and Willard to 30 as the Wildcats opened Central Ozark Conference play with two victories.
The Wildcats’ perimeter shooters have also started knocking down some more shots during this current win streak, led by Hendricks the last couple games.
“It’s very contagious when one of your best shooters, Collier, is really starting to pick it up,” Culp said. “That helps loosen everybody else up. We hit six threes that first half (Monday) and three different guys hit them. That can make you tough to guard when you’ve got our big guys inside and Isaiah Green with all that he does, so it’s good to see.”
Hendricks and senior point guard Brock Franklin each made a pair of 3-point baskets in the second quarter as the Wildcats took a 32-20 halftime lead.
Neosho came out in the second half with 13 of the first 15 points to extend the lead to 45-22, and the Wildcats led by as many as 61-32 late in regulation.
Green scored a game-high 25 points with 10 in the first and 15 in the second half, including 11 in a third quarter that saw Neosho almost double its lead from 12 at half to 22 after three.
“He’s a great guy to coach because he gets his own shots,” Culp said. “Fast breaks, offensive rebounds, just a simple play called to get him some movement and he can get by them to the rim, and he’s a great passer, as well. He’s a fun player to coach, and he makes it easier.”
Hendricks finished with 13 points, Kael Smith and Franklin six each, Carter Fenske five, Jared Siler four, and Carter Baslee two.
Neosho improved to 13-4 overall and the Wildcats return home Friday for a contest against Class 4 ninth-ranked Forsyth (14-0 entering Tuesday’s game against Hollister).
“We’re excited about that game,” Culp said. “We play good teams and that’s another good one coming in here. We should have a big crowd with people excited to come watch us. We’re ready for the challenge, and I think the boys are feeling good. That doesn’t mean you’re going to win, but that does mean we should come out and be competitive and we’re just hoping that it makes us better.”
Toby Moore led McDonald County with nine points Monday, Cross Dowd and Sterling Woods each had seven, Josh Pacheco six, Weston Gordon five, and Destyn Dowd two points.
McDonald County dropped to 8-10 overall and the Mustangs are back on the road Jan. 24 against Big 8 West opponent Cassville. The Mustangs are slated to play five straight on the road before returning home Feb. 7 against Big 8 West foe Monett.
