The McDonald County freshman boys' basketball team defeated East Newton 39-22 on Feb. 4 to claim third place in the Mount Vernon freshman boys Basketball Tournament.
McDonald County jumped out to a 17-3 lead by the end of the first quarter and led 21-8 at halftime.
Cade Smith scored 14 points to lead McDonald County followed by Kevin Martinez with seven points, Tae-Shawn Alik six, Damian Materne four, Ben Mora and Koby McAlister three each and Walker Keith two.
The Mustangs began the tournament with a 25-23 win over Cassville in the opening round. McDonald County trailed 16-15 at halftime before outscoring the Wildcats 7-3 in the third quarter to take a 22-19 lead into the fourth period.
Smith led the Mustangs with 12 points followed by Mora with six points, Martinez, Alik and Materne two each and McAlister one.
Joplin handed the Mustangs a 60-44 loss in the semifinals. The Eagles led 24-17 at halftime and 39-30 entering the fourth period.
Mora scored 16 points and Alik added 12 and Smith 10 to lead the Mustangs. Rounding out the scoring for McDonald County were McAlister with four points and Materne with two.
McDonald County was at Cassville on Feb. 6 before returning home to host Lamar on Feb. 13. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m.
Sports on 02/09/2017