Cassville Democrat: High School Sports: Purdy takes second in Miller tourney (01/09/13)

Up and in Democrat Photo by Jared Lankford Purdy junior Tyler Scott was named to the Miller Tournament All-Tournament team for his efforts during the three game set. Scott helped the Eagles to a second place finish.

The Purdy Eagles competed for four quarters but couldn't secure the game falling 63-58 to Ash Grove in the championship of the Miller Tournament on Jan. 5.

"I can't complain about out effort and intensity," said Purdy coach Tommy Egan. "We played hard. Our execution was the best at times. We have to learn to finish in games against bigger schools."

Purdy (8-4) rolled into the title match on the heels of victories over Galena and Greenfield. The Eagles, who won the tournament a year ago, were anxious to defend their title.

The black and yellow got off to a quick start and jumped out to a 9-4 lead.

Unselfish play led to five different Eagles scoring in the period and a 16-14 lead after one period.

The Pirates hit a 3-pointer to open the second period to take a brief 17-16.

Baskets by Cameron Terry, Tyler Scott and Keevin Walker quickly answered the Ash Grove triple.

Purdy had great success with dribble penetration in the second period and took a 35-23 edge into halftime.

The Ash Grove scoring machine awoke in the third period as the Pirates opened the half with a 9-2 run.

Cody Allhands supplied 8 points during the run and finished the contest with 21.

The teams finished the third period tied 46-46.

Ben Weinreis opened the fourth period with a 3-pointer to give Ash Grove a quick lead. Two baskets by Allhands a minute later gave the Pirates a 54-48 edge.

Purdy struggled to close the gap.

A triple by Brent Cornman pulled the Eagles to within two points (60-58). A turnover squandered Purdy's chances of reclaiming the lead.

"I thought we got better as a team in the tournament," said Egan. "We still aren't where we need to be."

Scoring for Purdy: Cornman and Alex Mareth, 10 points each; Tyler Scott, 8; Terry and Austin Hancock, 8 apiece; and Glen Scott and Walker, 7 each.

Greenfield

The Eagles prevailed 64-55 over Greenfield in the semifinals.

Unlimited hang time Photo courtesy of Freeze Frame Photography Brent Cornman, a junior at Purdy, puts up a shot during the Milller Tournament. The Eagles will be in action on Jan. 8 at Seneca.

"Defensively, we played as well as we have all season in the first half. The team worked extremely hard and competed," said Egan. "Offensively, in the second half we had a different kid step up and make a play at various times. It was a total team effort and a big win for us against a quality opponent."

Purdy trailed 11-8 at the end of one quarter of play but outscored Greenfield 18-7 in the second period to take a 26-18 lead into halftime.

Scoring for Purdy: Walker, 18 points; Glen Scott, 12; Cornman, 10; Mareth, 7; Hancock and Tyler Scott, 6; and Terry, 4.

Galena

Purdy trailed Galena 24-20 at halftime before a 26-12 scoring surge in the third quarter propelled them to a 63-46 victory.

"We had way too many turnovers in the fist half," said Egan. "I thought our shot selection was good. The biggest difference was that our shots went in the hoop in the second half."

Scoring for Purdy: Tyler Scott, 17 points; Terry, 12; Cornman, 11; Walker, 8; Glen Scott, 6; Hancock, 5; and Mareth, 3.

For his outstanding efforts in the three games, Tyler Scott was named to the All-Tournament team.

Purdy hosts Pierce City on Jan. 11. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.