The Tigers gather around head coach Chris Nimmo just before the start of the fourth quarter of Friday night's game.(Photo by Luke Schlechte)

WARRENSBURG, Mo.--The Warrensburg Tigers used a hot perimeter shooting performance to lift them past O’Hara 54-34 here Friday night.

Senior guard Nick Hanna jump-started the Tigers by hitting two early three-pointers that helped give the Tigers an 11-9 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Tigers and Celtics battled throughout the first half, with Warrensburg taking a 15-9 lead early in the second quarter, only to see that lead evaporate. A 6-0 run by the Celtics tied the game at 15 with 4:30 to play in the half, at which point Tigers head coach Chris Nimmo called a timeout.

The half ended with Warrensburg regaining the lead by going on a 9-0 run. The Tigers took a 24-15 lead into the locker room at halftime, and they picked up right where they left off as they began the second half.

Warrensburg started the half with a 10-0 run, largely due to senior guard TJ Culler scoring eight points, including back-to-back three-pointers.

Of his team’s hot second-half start, Nimmo said in his postgame radio interview, “We had a lot of energy to start the third quarter, which helped us a lot.”

Warrensburg extended its lead to 20 in the third quarter, and took a 39-19 lead into the fourth quarter.

The game’s final frame saw the Tigers continue to control the game, extending their lead to as many as 30 at one point.

Of his team’s play, Nimmo said, “I think the kids have a lot of confidence.”

Of their balanced scoring attack he noted, “The guys are starting to trust each other more and more.”

The Tigers turned the ball over five times, compared to 17 miscues by O’Hara. Warrensburg was led in scoring by senior Clint Smith with 15. Smith also pulled down four rebounds.

The Tigers were also helped by Culler, who chipped in 14 points, all in the second half, while grabbing six rebounds.

Senior Nick Hanna also contributed nine points, on three 3-pointers. Warrensburg won the rebounding battle 19-14, with 10 of the team’s boards coming in the second half.

With the 54-34 victory, the Tigers improve to 16-7 overall, and 5-3 in the West Central Conference.

Warrensburg has earned the No. 2 seed in the district tournament, which begins Feb. 20 in Harrisonville. The Tigers will be in action on Tuesday, Feb. 14, taking on St. Pius X High School of Kansas City at home.