Ash Grove basketballers beat Niangua in Walnut Grove Holiday Classic

The Ash Grove boys and girls basketball teams finished up their run at the Walnut Grove Holiday Classic, with the Pirates knocking off Niangua, while the Lady Pirates lost to Fordland.
On Dec. 28, the Ash Grove Pirates jumped out to a 28-0 first quarter lead against Niangua and never looked back, increasing their lead to 39-4 by halftime. The Pirates took their foot off the gas in the second half, outscoring Niangua, 15-8, in the third quarter and 9-8 in the fourth quarter to win the game, 63-20.
“The boys jumped out to an early lead sparked by our full court defense and rode that to a victory,” said head coach Josh Reece.
Draven Zeigler led Ash Grove with 29 points and Sam Moreland ended the game with 13 points.
Ash Grove traveled to Crane on Jan. 4, but lost to the host Pirates, 83-48.
    
Girls
The Lady Pirates took on Fordland Dec. 27 but lost, 62-43.
Khloe Moad led Ash Grove with 17 points and Riley Hammons added nine points in the loss.
The tournament was held in Walnut Grove but the the early portion of the girls tournament was held in Ash Grove.
The Pirates will be traveling to Crane this week to take part in the Crane Invitational Tournament. The Tournament is scheduled to run from January 7-12. The Lady Pirates  hosted Buffalo on Monday night, falling in a close one 68-63. They travel to Billings on Friday night.