The McDonald County High School boys' basketball team won five of six quarters in a four-team jamboree held Nov. 20 at Joplin High School.
"I thought we played with a lot of chemistry overall," said coach Trent Barratt. "It is nice having a senior group that has played together four years while they have been in high school. We need to improve a little bit defensively. We had some miscues in that area, but we are going to keep working on that in practice. We have been a good defensive team in the past and we will work to get better in that area."
The Mustangs opened the scrimmages against the host Joplin Eagles. McDonald County claimed a 13-8 advantage after the first six-minute quarter and then overcame a 9-7 deficit late in the second period to pull out a 14-9 win.
Daton Aubrey led the Mustangs with 14 points in the two quarters, including a three-pointer in the second when the Mustangs trailed 9-7. Dagan Stites added seven points followed by Max Dill with four and Kole Keith, Drew Harmon and Billy Leach with two each.
"Offensively, we moved the ball well," Barratt said. "We hit some shots and put a lot of pressure on the defense. We were able to get to the line because we drew a lot of fouls."
McDonald County split its two quarters against East Newton, winning the first six minutes 14-12 before falling 15-12 in the second.
The Mustangs trailed 12-10 in the first period before Aubrey and Harmon each hit two free throws late to give McDonald County the win. The second period was has highlighted by Aubrey's dunk to get the Mustangs to within 11-8 late in the period, but the scrappy Patriots held on for the win.
Harmon scored 14 points and Aubrey eight to lead McDonald County. Keith and Sergio Dozal each scored two points to round out the scoring.
McDonald County closed the jamboree by edging Neosho 14-10 and 9-8. Harmon had 12 points while Aubrey added six, Dill three and Keith two for the Mustangs scoring.
"The kids played extremely hard," Barratt said. "I thought it was one of those nights when you are playing rivals that it is very competitive. It was a very good night for our guys to get ready for the home opener against Gravette."
McDonald County hosted the Lions on Nov. 23 before beginning play at 6 p.m. on Nov. 30 in the Carthage Tournament against the Seneca Indians.
Sports on 11/26/2015