CARTHAGE, Mo. — The Carthage High School boys basketball team sent its seniors out with a win.
Carthage topped Branson 72-50 on Tuesday in Central Ozark Conference action. The team's seniors were recognized during the evening.
"I am so happy for our four seniors," Carthage coach Nathan Morris said of Joel Pugh, Sylas Browning, Caden Kabance and Logan Carmickle. "They are great human beings and ambassadors for our program. They did a fantastic job getting us started during the first quarter tonight. Sylas Browning came out determined for his Senior Night to go well!" 
Carthage led 17-10 at the end of the first quarter, but extended the advantage to 37-23 by halftime. 
"Branson is a team that can score in bunches and we held them to 23 first half points," Morris said. "Coach Linehan gave our kids one of the best compliments we can ask for, mentioning that our halfcourt man-to-man was fantastic tonight."
The Tigers led 49-40 at the end of the third quarter, but the hosts outscored the Pirates 23-10 in the fourth quarter. 
Max Templeman scored 18 points to lead Carthage, while Joel Pugh had 16, Clay Kinder added 11 and Tyler Willis had 10. Britt Coy contributed six points, while Sylas Browning and Justin Ray added five points apiece. 
"It's no secret that we ask Max Templeman to do a lot for this team, but he played his most complete game tonight, even with limited minutes in the first half due to foul trouble," Morris said. "Max had 18 big points, seven rebounds and eight assists tonight." 
Branson's Kade Goodwin had 17 points and Kyle Scharbrough had 11. Ethan Jones was limited to eight points.
"We asked six different guys to take turns taking away Ethan Jones and Kyle Scharbrough and they were up to the challenge," Morris said.
The Pirates fell to 7-15 and 0-6 in the COC. 
Carthage is now 18-5 overall and 4-3 in the COC. 
"This group has been special after the growing pains they experienced last year," Morris said. "They care about each other, do what is asked, and are enjoying playing the game. It's no wonder that they are 18-5 on the season with a chance to make some noise in the postseason."
Carthage is at Ozark on Friday.
-SoMo Sports Staff Reports    

Branson JV 44, Carthage JV 39
Branson 9th 47, Carthage 33