Mt’neers go two-and-out in Blue & Gold Tournament

The Mt. Vernon Mt’neers have historically experienced great success in the Greenwood Blue & Gold Tournament, however, recent history has not been as kind. The Mt’neers have not won a game in the tournament since they won the consolation championship over Buffalo in the 2020 tournament. Since then, the Mt’neers are 0-4 but they looked to change that last week.
The Mt’neers opened the tournament against one of the best shooters in the entire area in Cody Voysey and the Strafford Indians. Mt. Vernon started fast as Mt’neer Jarrett Zerby matched Voysey shot for shot early on but the Indians used tough defense to pull away. Zerby finished with 19 points but Strafford finished with a 57-46 victory in the opening round.
The loss set up a very tough second round opponent in Big 8 foe Marshfield. The Blue Jays used their size and athleticism to their advantage as 6’4” Silas Massey and 6’7” Tegen Curley combined for 40 points in the Blue Jays 60-45 victory as Mt. Vernon’s Blue & Gold losing streak extends to six.
The Mt’neers fall to 4-5 this season as they wrap up the 2023 portion of play. They will go on a bit of a road trip as they traveled to Diamond Tuesday before returning to the court Friday in Lamar as part of a Super Night with the Tigers.
Lady Mt’neers struggle in Pink & White Tournament last week
The Pink & White tournament is a great opportunity to make a statement in front of all of southwest Missouri and the Mt. Vernon Lady Mt’neers got an opportunity to do just that with a chance to knock off the four-seed Republic last Wednesday night.
After missing out on the tournament a year ago, Mt. Vernon received a tough draw against Republic. Mt. Vernon struggled with the length and the depth that the Lady Tigers brought to the table and fell in the opening round 64-25, despite 15 points from Addie Hall.
The next day the Lady Mt’neers looked to bounce back against a good Thayer team, but Mt. Vernon struggled to hang onto the ball as turnovers derailed the hopes of Mt. Vernon. Thayer started quickly and ran up the score for a 69-28 victory over the Lady Mt’neers.
Mt. Vernon fell to 4-6 as they capped off their 2023 portion of the schedule. They will be back in action Friday as they travel to Lamar.