Northern Tier Sports ReportROME — NEB got career nights from Clay Wilks and Nate Gross as they ran past CV, 78-55, during NTL boys’ basketball action Tuesday.
Wilks had a double-double of 22 points and 11 boards, shooting 9-for-10 on the night, while Gross was 6-for-8 for 12 points, to go with four rebounds.
“The boys played better tonight than we have in a few weeks,” said NEB coach Paul Burgert. “We had a lot more energy and moved the ball pretty well. We got some great minutes from everyone, and our young guys really brought something to the table. Clay Wilks made his first start and had a double double. We still have a lot of stuff to work on, but I'm proud of the boys efforts. Hats off to CV, they play hard and have some good young players.”
Eli Stanton went 7-for-14 for 16 points to go with four rebounds, and six assists, as Cooper Brown, and Tyler Thoman had 10 points apiece. Brown also grabbed five boards.
Tanner Herb netted four points, with Mac Burgert adding three. Brennin Thoman chipped in with three assists.
Levi Stahl had 14 points to lead CV as Ashton Burdick notched 12.
It was a fast start out of the gates as NEB held a 19-15 lead after one, thanks to six points from Stanton.
Things continued to be nip-and-tuck in the second, with NEB taking a 33-28 lead behind five points from Wilks.
The Panthers got some breathing room in the third, out scoring CV 17-9 as they had three 3-pointers in the frame.
Then came their 28-point fourth quarter - CV tried hard to stay close with 18 themselves - as Wilks netted 10, and Gross added eighth.
NEB won the JV game 53-14 as Burgert had 19, and Gross netted 18.
NEB (9-4) is at Williamson on Thursday.
