Ash Grove boys basketball defeat host Marion C. Early in battle

Three Pirates score in double figures; look to hosting Sarcoxie Friday if weather permits
The Ash Grove High School boys’ and girls’ basketball teams were both back in action last week, with the Pirates traveling to Marion C. Early, and the Lady Pirates made the trip to Fair Grove.
Ash Grove played against Marion C. Early on Friday, Jan. 5, and was able to come home with a hard fought, 52-44, victory.
After trailing 16-12 at the end of the first quarter, the Pirates outscored the Panthers 19-13 in the second quarter to take a 31-29 lead into the half. Both teams played great defense in the third quarter, as they both scored just five points each. In the fourth quarter, Ash Grove broke the game open, putting up 16 points, while just allowing 10 points to win the game by eight points.
“Our guys did a great job defensively and limited opportunities for Morrisville,” said head coach Grant Williamson. “I was proud of our grit. It was a great win for our guys to get us ready for conference play.”
Kyler Reece paced Ash Grove with 14 points, Asher Rust added 13 points and Brady Nicholson added 12 points in the win.
The Pirates are now 7-5 on the season and were scheduled to play at Diamond last night before hosting Sarcoxie Friday night.

Lady Pirates    
On the girls’ side of things, the Lady Pirates traveled to Fair Grove on Thursday, Jan. 4, and came home with a blowout 65-26 loss.
Fair Grove jumped out to a 22-8 first quarter lead and increased that lead to 46-13 by the half. Ash Grove would score 13 points in the third quarter and two points in the fourth quarter, but the Lady Eagles would outscore Ash Grove 19-13 in the second half to capture the victory.
Millison Sapp scored 21 of Ash Grove’s 26 points in the game.
The Lady Pirates fall to 6-6 on the season and with Monday night’s game at Conway being canceled, are next scheduled to host Sarcoxie tomorrow night.