Pirates grab wins over Greenfield, Spokane, remain undefeated

Lady Pirates, on home court, knock off Greenfield Lady Wildcats behind 18-point Moad effort
 
The Ash Grove High School boys’ and girls’ basketball teams picked up wins last week, as the Pirates knocked off Greenfield and Spokane and the Lady Pirates took care of Greenfield, as well.

Boys
    Ash Grove hosted Greenfield on Friday Dec. 10, winning their game easily, 81-23.
    The Pirates jumped out to a 27-6 first quarter lead and never looked back, leading 52-14 at the half, 67-21 by the end of the third and holding Greenfield to just two points in the fourth for the 58-point victory.
    "Our guys played with great energy and despite shooting it poorly from three still were able to put points on the board,” said Ash Grove head coach Grant Williamson. “Everyone who played contributed."
    Brady Nicholson paced Ash Grove with 25 points, while Sam Moreland and Elijah Morrison each ended the game with 13 points.
    The Pirates opened the week by hosting Spokane on Tuesday, Dec. 7, and came away with a 16-point, 66-50 victory.
    The game was close throughout, as Ash Grove led by just five points, 15-10 at the end of the first quarter. The Pirates put up 17 points in the second quarter, but Spokane kept pace, adding 14 points of their own. Ash Grove went into the half leading 32-24. A 22-point third quarter by Ash Grove saw their lead increase to double digits, 54-40, before the Pirates scored 12 points in the fourth quarter to put Spokane away.
    "Our guys executed well tonight,” said Williamson. “We valued the basketball (only had six turnovers) which allowed us to maximize our opportunities. I thought we defended the ball well and contested shots. Defensively, we are starting to figure out some things which is sparking our transition offense. Spokane had a big piece out with injury and when they get healthy will be a real challenge to anyone they play."
    Moreland led Ash Grove with 22 points, Nicholson added 21 points and Brock Mooneyham had 12 points in the win.
    The Pirates are still undefeated, as they moved to 6-0 on the season and looked to keep that winning streak going when they hosted Sparta on Tuesday night.

Girls
    The Lady Pirates hosted Greenfield on Friday, Dec. 10, and were able to coast to a 52-36 victory.
    Ash Grove led 13-6 after the first quarter, but a 12-point second quarter saw the Lady Pirates cruise into halftime with a 25-9 lead. Ash Grove added another 15 points in the third quarter to increase their lead to 40-22 before closing out the game with a 12-point fourth quarter for the 16-point win.
    Khloe Moad led Ash Grove with 18 points and Brittany Gilliland added 10 points in the win.
    Ash Grove is currently 4-2 on the season and were scheduled to travel to Clever on Monday before returning home to host Sparta tomorrow night.