By Chris Parker
Central boys basketball picked up a statement win on Tuesday with a 75-74 road triumph over Nixa. It marked the program’s first win over the Eagles since 2009.
“That was a big win for us,” Central head coach Jordan Epps said. “Something I haven’t done as a coach is beat Nixa. That is a heck of a program and heck of a team that we just beat. That means a lot because it is a district game. It is two state-ranked teams that put on a show tonight.”
Nixa, ranked No. 10 in Class 6 by the MBCA, jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter leading 11-4 early before Central, ranked No. 6 in Class 6, showed how explosive it could be. The Bulldogs responded with 21-5 run to close the quarter to take a 25-16 lead into the second quarter.
Central mostly maintained its lead through the second quarter with a 39-31 lead at the half.
Nixa came out of the locker room hot posting its best quarter with 23 points in the third quarter to cut Central’s lead to 56-54 heading into the final quarter.
Epps took the break to refocus his team on doing the things that helped establish the early lead.
“We have to stay consistent on what we do best to win those games,” Epps said. “When we got that big lead, we were sitting down guarding, we were getting stops, and running the floor getting easy transition buckets. Nixa did a good job coming out in the second half scoring well where we couldn’t get those stops. We just have to be able to lock in for four quarters to help make us a next level team.”
Central was able to execute down the stretch and survive a late Nixa three-point attempt to win the game 75-74.
It is an experience that will pay dividends as the season progresses.
“That was experience that has been building these last couple years. A year ago, I don’t think we would have won that game; we weren’t ready,” Epps said. “Going forward I hope they see that they can win those tough games, those tough moments and battle through a different kind of adversity. Going forward (this game) is going to help us a lot.”
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE GAME
Central also showed off its balance and depth in the win. Bryce Walker led all scorers with 19 points including several highlight-reel dunks. Keion Epps (18 points), Tyrique Brooks (14 points) and Deven Sanford (12 points) all scored in double figures. TayShaun Wells was one basket away from making it five in double figures with eight points on the night.
That depth and balance are why Central is proving to be one of the area’s and state’s top teams.
“I think it (the win) sends a big message. We are getting a lot of praise about being one of the top teams in the area. This was a big win that shows we are one of the top teams in the area,” Epps said.
Nixa, which has lost back-to-back games for the first time since February of 2020, was led by Devon Kemp with 15 points. Jackson Cantwell, Garrett Hines and Josh Peters all had 12 points each with Adam McKnight sitting just outside of double figures at nine points.
Central 74, Nixa 73
Central – 25-14-17-19 — 75
Nixa – 16-15-23-20 — 74
C: Bryce Walker 19, Keion Epps 18, Tyrique Brooks 14, Devin Sanford 12, TayShaun Wells 8, Jordan Pittman 4
N: Devon Kemp 15, Jackson Cantwell 12, Garrett Hines 12, Josh Peters 12, Adam McKnight 9, Lane Meltabarger 7, Jaise Combs 7
