Maywood boys snap long losing skid

PAXTON, Neb. -- The Maywood High School boys basketball team has put a long losing skid in the rear-view mirror.

The Tigers defeated Garden County, 38-33, in the third-place finals at the Paxton Invitational Tournament Thursday, Dec. 20, at the Paxton High School gym. The victory snapped a 29-game losing streak for the Maywood boys.

The Tigers had not won a boys basketball game since late in the 2010-11 campaign. Maywood's last win was a 43-31 victory over South Platte at Maywood on Feb. 17, 2011.

The third quarter was key for Maywood Thursday. The Tigers led 9-7 after one quarter and 16-13 at halftime. Maywood then outscored Garden County 11-4 in the third period to extend the lead to 27-17.

Austin Phillips paced Maywood with 14 points. Jericho Vieyra, Jacob Dibbern and Quinten Phillips added 6 points each for the Tigers. Vieyra recorded 7 rebounds and 5 steals. Quinten Phillips also had 7 rebounds. Austin Phillips had 6 rebounds, 4 steals and a blocked shot. Dibbern also had 4 steals.

The Maywood boys will hope to continue a new streak with another win when they return to action at Hayes Center Dec. 29.

Paxton topped Mullen 60-46, in the tournament championship finals.

MAYWOOD'S GIRLS also were victorious Thursday with a 42-37 win over Garden County for third place in the Paxton Invite.

Abby Werkmeister led the Tigers with 15 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocked shots. Tess Whitman added 14 points and 9 boards for Maywood.

Trailing 22-20 at halftime, Maywood outscored Garden County 8-2 in the third quarter to lead 28-24.

The Maywood girls visit Hayes Center Dec. 29.