Pirates roll over Marion C. Early, Billings squads

Nicholson averages 33 points a game in victories
The Ash Grove High School boys’ basketball team played two games last week, winning both of their games by more than 20 points.
The Pirates hosted Marion C. Early on Friday, Jan. 6, and after a challenging first quarter, ran away with a 61-41 victory.
Ash Grove trailed at the end of the first quarter, 18-16, but would rebound by holding MCE to just seven points in the second quarter, while putting up 19 points to take a 35-25 halftime lead. The Pirates added another 19 points in the third quarter to increase their lead to 54-37.
"This was a big game for our guys,” said head coach Grant Williamson. “Last season they beat us and our guys were eager to play them again. It also had district seeding implications. Our guys played like this game really mattered and were able to get a big win. Hopefully that propels us into conference play now."
Brady Nicholson led Ash Grove with 35 points and Asher Rust added 12 points in the win.
Ash Grove opened the week by hosting Billings on Tuesday, Jan. 3, and cruising to an easy 55-23 win.
It was a low scoring first quarter, as the Pirates led 9-6 but a 16-point second quarter gave Ash Grove a 25-11 halftime lead. The Pirates added another 22 points in the third quarter to increase their lead to 47-21.
"After a sluggish start we really got things going defensively which translated into our offense,” said Williamson. “Billings is well coached and plays extremely tough and we did a great job of matching that tonight."
Nicholson led all scorers with 31 points.
The Pirates are now 10-3 on the season and were scheduled to host Diamond last night before heading to Sarcoxie on Friday night.