Mt’neer basketball defeats Diamond

Lady Mt’neers fall to Glendale
 
The Mt. Vernon High School boys basketball team traveled to Diamond on Friday, Dec. 12 and came home with a 41-31 victory.
The Mt’neers led 13-8 after the first quarter and increased that lead to 23-16 by the half. A nine-point third quarter allowed Mt. Vernon to increase their lead to 32-24. In the fourth quarter, the Mt’neers were able to continue their great defensive play and hold Diamond to just seven points, while scoring nine points to win the game by 10 points.
Hunter Conway and Griffen Cordray led with nine points each, Lucas Schoen finished the game with seven points.
“We had a great defensive effort tonight and took care of the ball on the offensive end of the floor,” said Head Coach Ryan Worley. “Diamond plays a physical and aggressive defense that can be very hard to play against. Our guys recognized that we needed to match their physicality and stepped up to the challenge. This group has shown a high level of character and grit throughout the early part of our schedule. If we can continue to focus on being at our best in each possession, on both ends of the floor, then this group has a high ceiling for what they can accomplish.”
The Mt’neers opened the week by losing a close one to Crane on Tuesday, Dec, 9 at home.
Mt. Vernon jumped out to a 26-17 lead but a three-point second quarter allowed the Pirates to cut the deficit to 29-28 by halftime. In the third quarter, Crane outscored the Mt’neers 16-12 to take a 44-41 lead into the final quarter of play. Mt. Vernon made a run in the fourth quarter, scoring 21 points but fell just a little short as the Pirates scored 16 points to take the game by two points, 64-62.
Conway led Mt. Vernon with 18  points, Cordray added 15 points and Hunter Dawson ended the game with 10 points.
“This group of guys continue to show growth and improvement in each of our games,” said Worley. “They are gaining invaluable experience versus very good competition which will pay off for us in the near future. We continue to put our focus on our daily improvement and not necessarily the end results. That mindset will allow us to be the best version of ourselves which will make this a very enjoyable season for everyone involved.”
Mt. Vernon is now 2-3 on the season and were scheduled to play at Reeds Spring last night before hosting Springfield Catholic on Friday night.

Girls basketball
The Lady Mt’neers hosted Springfield Glendale on Monday, Dec. 8 but lost to the Lady Falcons 70-45.
Glendale led 14-10 after the first quarter and increased their lead to 29-20 by halftime. In the third quarter, the Lady Falcons scored 23 points to lead 52-29. In the fourth quarter the Lady Mt’neers scored 16 points, but Glendale answered with 18 points to win the game 70-45.
Ellie Eddington had a double-double in the game with 16 points and 10 rebounds, Mary Fields ended the game with 16 points.
“I’m very proud of how we competed with such a short lineup and with this being our fourth game in seven days,” said Head Coach Alexis Caithon. “It’s hard to sustain our style of play when we’re not fully healthy, but we showed real progress and a lot of positives. Mollie Tudor stepped up and gave us big minutes, and last night showed the potential this group has once we’re back at full strength.”
Mt. Vernon falls to 1-4 on the season and were scheduled to host Branson last night.