SENECA, Mo. — Featuring not only a new-look lineup, but also a new head coach, Neosho built a 16-point lead by intermission on the way to a 47-31 victory over Seneca in the opener of the 2023-24 season on Monday night.
Former NHS boys basketball standout Tyler Chaney earned victory No. 1 as Neosho’s head coach.
In a game where both teams featured plenty of newcomers in key roles, the Wildcats led 20-12 at the end of the first quarter.
Neosho won the second period 13-5 and took a 33-17 lead into halftime.
The Wildcats led 42-25 by the end of the third quarter and the visitors extended their lead to 20 early in the final frame.
Three players scored in double figures for the Wildcats.
Senior Courtney Thomason scored 16 points to lead Neosho, while junior Reagan Williams added 11 points and junior Beclynn Garrett had 10 points, including a pair of 3-pointers. Sophomore Jazmyn Washington contributed six points for Neosho and classmate Hayleigh Smith added five.
Sophomore guard Olivia Haase scored 10 points and hit two treys to lead Seneca. She was the lone Indian to reach double figures.
Also for Seneca, junior Kahli Fields scored seven points and junior Daelynd Campbell and sophomore Sophia Connell added four points apiece. Senior Sydnee Staley and junior Madison Collinsworth chipped in three points apiece for Drew Schulte’s Indians.
Neosho hosts Clinton on Tuesday night.
Seneca will host its home tourney from Nov. 27-30.
