Pirates win 18th game of the season, junior Nicholson scores 1,500th career point

The Ash Grove boys’ basketball team won their 18th game of the season in a make-up game on Saturday, Feb. 4, at Miller, 67-22.
Ash Grove led 13-6 after the first quarter, but really exploded in the second quarter, holding Miller to just two points, while scoring 27 points to increase their lead at the half to 40-8. The Pirates added another 23 points in the third quarter to push ahead 63-17.
 "This was a great team effort,” said head coach Grant Williamson. “Our guys played really well together, and it was reflected in the scoring. Anytime you can have several guys score in double figures it puts a lot of pressure on the opposing defense."
Brady Nicholson, who made his 1,500th career point in the blow out contest, paced Ash Grove with 16 points, Asher Rust added 15 points, Tyler Tummons kicked in 13 points and Brock Mooneyham ended the game with 11.
Ash Grove is now 18-3 on the season and were scheduled to play at Marionville last night before hosting Stockton Friday night.

Lady Pirates defeat Greenwood, fall to Miller Lady Cardinals
Also in a make-up game, the Lady Pirates also traveled to Miller on Saturday, Feb. 4, and came home with a 41-14 loss.
Miller led 10-0 after the first quarter and 23-5 at the half. Miller outscored Ash Grove 18-9 in the second half for the win.
Ash Grove started the week by traveling to Greenwood on Thursday, Feb. 2, and coming home with a one point win, 41-40.
Greenwood led Ash Grove 9-8 after the first quarter and 23-17 at the half, but a 10-point third quarter cut the lead to 28-27 heading into the final quarter of play.
Bethany Wheeler led Ash Grove with 13 points and Cora Duit added 10 points in the victory.
The Lady Pirates are now 7-14 on the season and were scheduled to travel to Marionville on Monday night before hosting Stockton tomorrow night.