WAYNESVILLE— Waynesville gave a scare to Ozark on Tuesday night thanks to some good defense, but it couldn't do the same on Friday night against Nixa, the other Christan County basketball powerhouse, in a 57-43 loss.
The Tiger defense was back against Nixa but the offense continued to struggle on Friday.
“Defensively we did what we needed to do tonight,” said Waynesville head coach Tom Bildner. “We just need to find a way to score some points.”
The Tigers (3-4) did hold Nixa to only 57 points, only the second time this season the Eagles (8-0) have scored less than 60 (the other a 42-35 defensive battle with Rogers, Ark. in the Republic Tournament).
But The Tigers had a hard time getting easy shots to drop. They shot 20 of 48 (41 percent) from the floor, and only 3 of 11 (27 percent) from three-point range. Also, the Tigers only shot (and missed) one free throw, while allowing Nixa to make 11 of 14 from the line
Nixa only led 9-8 at the end of the first quarter but turned it on for a big run at the end of the second and beginning of the third quarters, at one point leading by 16.
Senior forward Kevin Vereen led Waynesville with 14 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Junior Jason Laughlin was the other Tiger in double figures with 10 points. Junior Adam Grosskreutz pulled down six rebounds and senior Tim Williams scored five and pulled down five.
Nixa seniors Zac Hill and Seth Matlock each had 12 points while senior Jordan Keeney added 11.
The Tigers will compete in the US Bank/ Roll High School Holiday Invitational from Dec. 28-30; their first opponent will be Warrensburg on Dec. 28 at 4 p.m. Games will be held at Rolla High School.
Nixa also won the JV game, 57-35. Cory Ray led the Tigers with 16 and Marquette Bennett added eight.
Look for more coverage in Saturday's print edition.
