YATES CENTER — Yates Center High’s Jake Morrison capped an already memorable night with a game-high 18 points as the Wildcats defeated visiting Caney Valley High 53-39.
Morrison’s scoring outburst followed his crowning as homecoming king.
“Jake had a strong game for us, as did Paul (Stockebrand) and Dalton (Smith),” said Wildcat head coach Jason Weilert, who saw his team improve to 9-4 with the win.
Yates Center began and ended the game on strong notes, enough to overcome a sluggish third quarter.
The Wildcats jumped out to a 14-5 lead after one quarter and 23-13 at the half.
Caney Valley caught fire in the second half, closing to within 37-29 after three quarters and within three points early in the fourth quarter.
Yates Center was able to right its ship at the free-throw line.
The Wildcats drained 14 of 18 free throws in the final quarter to pull away from Caney Valley.
“I thought we finished strong,” Weilert said. “We just need to put four quarters together.”
Stockebrand added 16 points and 12 rebounds for Yates Center, while Smith scored 14.
Dustin Mullinax scored 16 to pace Caney Valley.
Caney Valley won the junior varsity contest 46-24. Yates Center’s JV was paced by Robert Arnold’s 14 points.
Yates Center returns home Tuesday to take on Cherryvale.
In homecoming ceremonies, Yates Center’s Jessica Hartwig was crowned queen.
Caney Valley (5-8-16-10—39): Richey 4-1-5-9, Nelson 0-0-1-0, McINtosh 0-3-4-3, Wyant 1-2-2-4, Shamblin 2-0-3-4, Mullinax 8-0-2-16, Billingsley 0-1-2-1, Boatman 1-0-1-2. TOTALS: 16-7-20-39.
Yates Center (14-9-14-16—53) (FG/3-pt): Morrison 3/2-6-2-18, Knoblock 0-0-1-0, Aguirre 1-0-2-2, Francis 0/1-0-0-3, Stockebrand 3-10-3-16, Smith 5-4-2-14. TOTALS: 12/3-20-10-53.
Wildcats defeat the Bullpups
