AG Pirates fall to RUSH at homecoming, top Marion C. Early

Ash Grove drops to .500, looks for victories this week over Marionville Comets, Stockton Tigers

It was a tough week for the Ash Grove High School boys’ basketball team, as the Pirates fell to RUSH Senior Home School and Miller, but they did beat Marion C. Early.
Ash Grove hosted RUSH on Friday, Feb. 7, but was unable to pull off the victory losing, 53-37.
RUSH led 12-7 after the first quarter and pushed that lead to 23-17 by the half. In the third quarter Ash Grove scored 10 points but RUSH added another 13 points to go up 36-27 go start the fourth. A 17-point fourth quarter sealed the game for RUSH as they would pull away to win the game.
“Rush is a really good team with tons of length,” said head coach Grant Williamson. “I thought our guys showed great competitiveness throughout. Our community really showed out for homecoming and created a great atmosphere for the game. While we are disappointed in the outcome, I was pleased with the process.”
Kyler Reece led Ash Grove with 12 points and Dylan Gray added 10 points in the loss.
The Pirates hosted Marion C. Early on Wednesday, Feb. 5, and pulled away in the second half for the 61-51 win.
Ash Grove led 11-9 after the first quarter but the Panthers would answer with a 20-point second quarter to take a 29-25 lead into the half. In the third, Ash Grove put up 21 points to regain the lead, 46-41. In the fourth quarter, the Pirates scored 15 points to secure their victory over the Panthers by 10.
“We didn’t shoot the ball particularly well in this game, but our guys rebounded well and created extra possessions to come out with a win,” said Williamson.
Jaden Hance paced Ash Grove with 20 points, Gray added 17, and Reece ended the game with 15.
Ash Grove started the week by traveling to Miller on Tuesday, Feb. 4, but came home with a lopsided 70-30 loss.
Miller started the game off very well, hitting for 30 points in the first quarter to take a 30-14 lead. That early scoring momentum made it difficult for the Pirates to get back into the game as Ash Grove only managed to score 16 points the rest of the way.
“Miller jumped out on us early and we never really were able to battle back into it,” said Williamson. “Credit to them for playing well and executing on both ends.”
Reece led Ash Grove with 13 points and Gray added 12 points in the loss.
Ash Grove is now 11-11 on the season and were scheduled to play at Marionville last night before hosting Stockton on Friday night.