Boys basketball teams from Webb City, Carthage and Carl Junction suffered COC losses on Friday night, while Neosho’s games were postponed. In other action, East Newton topped Nevada in a key Big 8 clash.
OZARK 72, WEBB CITY 66
OZARK, Mo. — Ozark outscored Webb City 21-12 in a game-changing third period en route to a 72-66 victory over the Cardinals on Friday night in a Central Ozark Conference boys basketball clash.
Webb City fell to 9-2 overall and 1-1 in the COC.
Nickhai Howard led Webb City with 14 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists.
Also for the Cardinals, Trenton Hayes scored 14, Cohl Vaden had 12 and Luke Brumit added 11 points.
Ozark improved to 10-4 and 2-0 in the COC.
Blaine Cline and Kyle Flavin scored 17 points apiece for Ozark, while Ethan Whatley added 16.
The Tigers were up 18-17 at the end of the first quarter, but the Cardinals led 33-28 at the break.
After outscoring the Cardinals by nine in the third period, Ozark took a 49-45 lead into the final frame.
The fourth quarter was nearly even, but the Tigers made more than enough free throws late in the game to seal the win. In fact, Ozark made 18-of-20 foul shots in the second half.
There were seven ties and six lead changes.
Webb City begins play at the Kansas Army National Guard Tournament in Frontenac on Thursday.
NIXA 66, CARTHAGE 28
NIXA, Mo. — Nixa took the lead early and never relinquished it in a 66-28 Central Ozark Conference boys basketball win over visiting Carthage.
The hosts led 21-9 by the end of the first quarter.
Up 41-22 at the half, Nixa outscored Carthage 21-2 in the third quarter to blow the game open.
Silas Templeman’s six points led Carthage, while Joel Pugh and Justin Ray scored five points apiece.
Colin Ruffin scored 13 points for Nixa and Jaret Nelson added 11.
Carthage will compete at the Ralph Miller Classic in Chanute, Kansas, beginning on Jan. 21.
REPUBLIC 64, CARL JUNCTION 31
REPUBLIC, Mo. — The Bulldogs hung tough early, but the Tigers took control with a big second quarter en route to a 64-31 win.
Republic improved to 13-1 and 2-0 in the COC, while Carl Junction slipped to 2-11 overall and 1-1 in the conference.
Ahlante Askew scored 24 points to lead Republic, while Drew McMillin added 16.
Joshua Cory scored 10 points to lead Carl Junction, while Sincere Williams had six and Alex Baker added five.
Republic led 15-10 at the end of the first quarter.
The Tigers outscored the Bulldogs 15-3 in the second period for a comfortable 30-13 halftime advantage.
Republic was up 58-23 at the start of the fourth quarter.
Carl Junction hosts Hillcrest on Monday night.
NEOSHO GAMES POSTPONED
Neosho’s basketball squads were scheduled to compete at Willard on Friday night. The COC contests were postponed due to the weather.
No make-up date has been announced.
EAST NEWTON 74, NEVADA 62
In a key Big 8 West clash, East Newton jumped out to a 29-13 lead and never looked back.
The Patriots were up 38-25 at the break and 56-32 entering the fourth quarter.
East Newton improved to 13-1, while Nevada fell to 7-5.
Kyson Lehman led East Newton with 22 points, while Connor Killion added 18 points. Lucas Kimbrough had 12 points and Gabe Bergen chipped in 10.
Logan Applegate scored 30 points for the Tigers and Ben Hines added 14.
