NEOSHO, Mo. — Tournament host Neosho moved into unfamiliar territory with a win against Rogers Heritage on Tuesday.
For the first time in several years, the Wildcats are on the winners’ side of the annual Neosho Holiday Classic.
Neosho beat Heritage 56-45 to move into the semifinals of its tournament and a date with Georgia AAA champion South Atlanta tonight.
“Getting two wins right off the bat (is big),” second-year Neosho coach Ben Ponce said. His Wildcats (6-3) won just six games all of last year.
“It’s scary (to play South Atlanta) but it’s good for our kids to see what kind of talent is out there,” Ponce added.
South Atlanta (10-0) beat Webb City, Mo., 59-41 for its 25th straight win.
Heritage (4-8) will play the Cardinals at 1:30 p.m. today in the consolation bracket.
The War Eagles fell behind early and never looked comfortable against Neosho.
The Wildcats, on the other hand, found room in the Heritage zone for short jumpers and layups.
Alex Wise and Corey Crandall each had 14 points as Neosho worked for open shots.
Kagean Wilkey hit back-to-back shots in the third quarter and Crandall finished a 9-0 run with a jumper for a 42-27 lead.
The War Eagles hit four 3-pointers in the fourth — including two by Zac Stewart — but couldn’t climb out of the hole.
“They did a great job keeping us off rhythm,” Heritage coach Tom Olsen said. “We got knocked back on our heels and we just never recovered.”
Neosho’s Michael Lowe opened the game hitting three 3-pointers but Heritage got back in the game on treys by Miles Johnson and Jack McMillan. Johnson later tied he game at 11 on his own putback. But Crandall and Wise both scored off quick steals in the final minute for a 15-11 lead.