CLINTON, Mo. — Neosho held a five-point lead with just over three minutes left in the game, but Clinton used a late 9-0 run to take the lead for good en route to a 52-50 non-conference girls basketball win over the Wildcats on Tuesday night.
Clinton held a 18-12 lead in the second quarter, but Neosho closed the first half on a 10-2 run. Free throws from Carleigh Kinnaird and a putback from Karlee Ellick gave Neosho a 22-20 halftime advantage.
Beclynn Garrett’s jumper put Neosho up 36-34 late in the third quarter, but the Cardinals scored four straight to end the period, taking a 38-36 lead into the final frame.
The Wildcats put together a 12-2 run in the fourth quarter, with Reagan McInturff scoring seven points during the spurt to give her 10 in the second half. The run was capped by a hoop from Ellick and free throws from Garrett that gave Neosho a 48-43 lead with 3:23 remaining.
But Clinton scored nine straight points to go ahead for good, with Skyte Wilson’s breakaway layup giving the Cardinals a 52-48 advantage. Neosho hit a late jumper for the final margin.
A 6-2 senior post player, Ellick had 15 points for Neosho (1-2). Mercedes Brown scored a game-high 17 points for Clinton (1-0).
Neosho will be among the teams competing at next week’s Carl Junction Classic.
