Pirate basketball picks up two more wins in early season action

Nicholson averages 27.5 points per game in victories over Greenfield, Spokane
The Ash Grove High School boys’ basketball team picked up two more wins last week, defeating Greenfield and Spokane.
The Pirates hosted Greenfield on Friday, Dec. 8, and jumped out to a big first quarter lead, racking up 24 points to lead 24-9 after one. In the second quarter, Ash Grove doubled up Greenfield 20-10 to increase their lead to 44-19 at the half. The Pirates continued to pour it on in the third quarter, scoring 27 points to increase their lead to 71-28. Both teams combined for 15 points in the final quarter of play, as Ash Grove won the game by 40 points, 77-37.
“Our guys were focused and took care of business tonight,” said head coach Grant Williamson. “It was a great night with the JV boys, varsity girls, and varsity boys all getting wins.”
Drury commit Brady Nicholson led Ash Grove with 24 points, Bryce Davis added 17 points and Asher Rust had 16 points in the win.
The Pirates opened the week by hosting Spokane on Tuesday, Dec. 5, and came away with a 74-57 victory.
Ash Grove led 26-15 after the first quarter and increased that lead to 45-29 by halftime. Spokane outscored Ash Grove 17-15 in the third quarter to cut the lead to 60-46, but in the fourth quarter, the Pirates put the game away, outscoring Spokane 14-11 for the 17-point win.
“I was proud of how our guys executed on the offensive end of the floor,” said Williamson. “We showed the ability to play fast and also slow things down and get what we want.”
Nicholson led the way with 31 points, Rust added 19 points and Davis ended the game with 11 points.
The Pirates are now 5-1 on the season and were scheduled to host Sparta last night before traveling to Fair Grove on Friday night.