Wednesday evening found Coach Jimmy Goebel’s NCOE Junior High basketball traveling back to Wayne City to take on the Cisne Lions in their second game of the Wayne City Tournament. After both teams had dropped their first game of the tournament, this would be a must win situation for each in order to play one more tourney game.
The first quarter started out in good fashion for NCOE as they jumped out to the early 10-6 lead. They would then go on to outscore Cisne 15-2 in the second quarter to take the commanding 25-8 lead into the locker room at halftime.
Following halftime, NCOE did not respond well to the Cisne defense and found themselves being outscored for the first time in the contest, 14-6, to see their lead shrink to 31-22 heading into the fourth and final quarter. The fourth quarter would find the Jr.Cardinal offense slowing down even more as they were only able to muster three points. Although Cisne would once again outscore NCOE, 9-3, the Jr.Cards were able to hang on for the 34-31 victory and earn the right to play one more game in the Wayne City Tournament.
Ten points from Jack Riggs led the way for NCOE. Others scoring for the Jr.Cardinals were CJ Richardson eight, Devon Lawless five, Joe Melton five, Trey Simmons four, and Ty Lane two. Ty Money topped all players with five assists. CJ Richardson, Ty Lane, Devon Lawless, and Jack Riggs each dished out one a piece.
Top rebounder for the Junior Cardinals was CJ Richardson with eight. Others collecting a rebound were Devon Lawless five, Jack Riggs four, Trey Simmons three, and Joe Melton one. Ty Money paced the team with five steals followed by four from Jack Riggs, three from CJ Richardson, and one each from Devon Lawless, Trey Simmons, and Ty Lane.
Coach Goebel stated, “We played great the first half and then turnovers hurt us in the second half, but we held on for the win.” NCOE (7-6) will now play on Saturday, December 5, for the Consolation Championship.
