Friday at Reed Conder Gymnasium, the Marshals ended a two-game skid with their 59-51 win over First Region rival McCracken County.
The Marshals led from start to finish to finish with the exception of three first quarter ties. Freshman Matthew Langhi scored seven of the Marshals first quarter points that included two 3-pointers. A basket to end the quarter by McCracken County’s Grayson Parish tied the game at 14-14.
Alex Staples, who led the Marshals with 18 points, scored seven of their 15 second quarter points to help push the halftime lead to 29-20 while holding the Mustangs to six points.
The Mustangs trimmed the Marshals lead down to six points at 39-33 late in the third quarter but a coast-to-coast trip by Kayden Mohler gave them an eight-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Both teams put up 18 points in the final eight minutes. The Mustangs stayed within reach on three 3-pointers, two by Jay Martin who trimmed the game to five points at 48-43 with three minutes remaining.
In the closing minute and a half, the Marshals hit 11-of-14 at the free throw line to earn the 59-51 win.
In his post-game interview with WCBL, Head Coach Sawyer Donohoo said he was pleased with the Marshals halfcourt offense.
“The last two games we’ve been pretty stagnant going back to the same side over and over and that makes a big difference”, Donohoo said. The defense has to shift and it just opens things up a little more.”
Donohoo was pleased with the Marshals defensive effort holding McCracken County’s top two rebounders under their average and limiting second chance opportunities.
The Marshals will play three games next week in the Marshall County Holiday Classic December 20-22.
Marshall 14 15 12 18 – 59
McCracken 14 6 13 18 – 51
Marshall (5-2): Alex Staples 18, Logan Parker 12, Matthew Langhi 12, Tommy Robertson 7, Ryan Stokes 5, Kaden Mohler 2, Kyzer Phillips 2, Orrin Phelps 1
McCracken (5-2): Conner Miller 15, Jackson Klope 12, Dylan Jackson 9, Jay Martin 6, Grayson Parish 6, Jace Dawson 3
