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Nevis Claims 3rd Place Trophy with 64-51 Win Over Knights

By Craig Olson, 03/23/24, 10:00PM CDT

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The Nevis Tigers held a commanding 54-32 edge on the boards, scoring 13 second chance points to none for the West Central Area Knights as the Tigers claimed the third place trophy in the Class A State Boys’ Basketball Tournament with a 64-51 victory over the Knights.  Nevis also went 21-for-32 on the free throw line, compared to 11-of-18 for WCA.

 

Nevis received double-doubles from AJ Bessler (14 points, 10 rebounds) and Alex Lester (10 points, 14 rebounds), and JohnPaul Benson scored a game high 20 points, making 4-of-8 3-point shots.  Eli Lewis led the Tigers with 4 assists and Devan Lindow had 11 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 points.

Nevis shot 34.5% (19-55) from the field and West Central Area made 30.5% (18-59) of their field goal attempts.

Knights Coach Kraig Hunter said: "Our coaching staff was really proud of how we played again today but it was one of those days we couldn't get shots to fall. Our defense vs the Nevis Tiger's size was outstanding and we executed really well on offense. Our screen quality and spacing and execution of our sets yielded many shots in the lane and many open looks, but unfortunately it was one of those days we struggled shooting. Could have something to do with playing three overtimes the day before and being emotionally drained. But again, really happy with the mentality the kids played with. They made us so proud with the way they played during the entire tournament."

Camden Anderson, who was named to the All-Tournament team, led the Knights with 15 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals.  Ben Bye added 9 points and 6 rebounds, Bryce Kjsesbo contributed 8 points, 5 rebounds, Sam Hanson had 8 points and 4 boards, and Mitchell Dewey scored 7 points and came up with 3 steals.  Nasir Dotts added 6 rebounds and 2 assists.

The Knights end their season with a 28-5 record, a South Sub-Section 6A title, a Section 6A championship and their first ever State Tournament trip, earning the number two seed.

Nevis completes a 26-8 season.


Bryce Kjesbo, Cam Anderson and Mitchell Dewey received the 4th place trophy.