Mt. Vernon Mt’neers collect first, second win of season in Stockton Tournament action

By: 
Skylan Akins

Mt. Vernon freshman Jarrett Zerby hits a corner three in the thirdplace game against Weaubleau. Zerby had a great tournament averaging just over 10 points, and hitting six three-pointers. (Photos by Skylan Akins)

It took after the new year, but the Mt. Vernon Mt’neer basketballers finally collected their first notch in the win column with a 50-29 win over the Lockwood Tigers in the opening round of the 52nd annual Stockton Tournament. Mt. Vernon has had their share of bad luck, starting with senior guard Sam Herbert breaking his hand before the season began. Then COVID played a part in the 0-13 start, as senior star Kai Brown had to miss a few games. The Mt’neers are ending January on a high note as they will finish with a 3rd place finish in the Stockton Tournament.

Versus Lockwood
The opening round game started as a defensive showcase as neither team scored for nearly the first four minutes. Mt. Vernon was able keep the Lockwood Tigers off the scoreboard with the exception of a free throw in the second quarter, and the Mt’neers took a 22-12 lead into the half. Tristan Jones’ 17 points and 14 from fellow senior Kai Brown gave the Mt’neers a 50-27 win.

Verses Stockton
The opening round win set up a fantastic matchup with one of the better teams in the area in Class 3 in host Stockton. This was another defensive struggle as the stars for both teams struggled to get on the board early. Mt. Vernon was able to use a great defensive effort to grab a 21-14 at the break. The Mt’neers were ice cold coming out of the half and Stockton was able to get Jay Baxter going and the Tigers reclaimed a slim 28-26 lead after three. The final quarter was fantastic as the teams traded leads up until the buzzer when a Jay Baxter jumper from the elbow sunk the Mt’neers, 40-38.
 
Verses Weaubleau
On the heels of a tough loss against Stockton, Mt. Vernon looked to rebound against another team that goes by the Tigers, this time from Weaubleau. A three pointer from freshman Jarrett Zerby and a bucket from Jones got the Mt’neers up early, but Mt. Vernon would play from behind for most of the game. The Tigers went into half up 30-26. Mt. Vernon came out sluggish to start the third quarter, but Kai Brown caught fuego hitting three treys in the final four minutes of the quarter, as the Mt’neers took a slim 42-40 lead into the fourth quarter. Brown and Zerby led the charge in the final quarter as the Mt’neers defeated the Tigers, 60-50, to claim third place.
The win moves Mt. Vernon to 2-14 on the year. They will be back in action Tuesday against Rogersville then will travel to Lebanon Friday.

Lady Mt’neers on hold
The Lady Mt’neers were scheduled to play in the NEO tournament in Oklahoma this week, but COVID canceled the tournament. They will be back in action Thursday, as they host Marshfield.

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Lawrence County Record

312 S. Hickory St.
Mt. Vernon, MO, 65712
www.lawrencecountyrecord.com

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