Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
MT. VERNON — Navontae Nesbit Jr. picked a great time to reach a milestone.
The Rams’ senior surpassed 1000 career points with the go ahead basket late in the fourth quarter helping Mt. Vernon hand Centralia it’s first loss of the season, 43-38. Nesbit scored 12 of his game high 22 points in the fourth quarter.
With the win, the Rams move into first place tie with the Orphans atop the South Seven, each with 4-1 conference records.
Trailing 37-35 with :35 to play, Orphans’ senior Daryle Jones missed a potential game-tying shot with Mt. Vernon’s Cale Maurer gathering the rebound and getting fouled. Officials whistled Centralia head coach Lee Bennett for a technical for protesting the non-call on Jones’ drive. Maurer hit 3-4 free throws, then Nesbit was fouled on the ensuing possession and added two more free throws to stretch the lead to 42-35.
Freshman Dave Barnes also reached double figures for Mt. Vernon (14-5) with 10 points, including a three-pointer from just inside half-court to beat the halftime buzzer. Logan Meier led Centralia (18-1) with 13.
