NEOSHO, Mo. — Neosho’s boys basketball team improved to 16-6 on the season with a hard-fought 65-60 win over Branson on Friday night in Central Ozark Conference action.
The 16 wins is the most for a Neosho boys squad since 2005.
K’dyn Waters poured in 30 points for the Wildcats, who are now 3-2 in the COC. Waters made 12 field goals, including one trey, to go with five free throws.
“K’dyn Waters just keeps having one of the best seasons Neosho has seen in a long time,” Wildcats coach Zane Culp said. “He’s just an unbelievable player. I’m so happy he’s on our team.”
Carter Fenske scored 14 points for Neosho, hitting four 3-pointers.
“Huge night by Carter Fenske,” Culp said. “He hit huge shots all night long. I’m very proud of him to bounce back after Tuesday.”
Also for the Wildcats, Carter Baslee scored seven points, Isaiah Green contributed six points and Brock Franklin and Kael Smith chipped in four points apiece.
“Carter Baslee came through in a huge first half,” Culp said. “He’s been so important to our team down the stretch.”
Ethan Jones scored 20 points for Branson (7-14, 0-5 COC), while Kade Goodwin added 15 and Kaden Scharbrough had 11.
The game was tight all the way.
Neosho led 20-18 at the end of the first quarter and the game was tied at 35 at halftime.
A close third period ended with the Wildcats clinging to a 48-46 lead.
Neosho outscored Branson 17-14 in the fourth quarter for the final margin.
Neosho hosts Webb City on Tuesday. It will be Senior Night for the Wildcats.
