BOWLING GREEN/LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Marshall County basketball programs battled through adversity during weekend holiday tournament action, with illness affecting key players on both squads as they competed across two different venues.
Lady Marshals Navigate South Warren Tournament Without Starting Point Guard
Playing without starting floor general Jessica Reed, who was sidelined due to illness, the Marshall County girls’ team showcased their depth throughout the South Warren High School tournament.
The Lady Marshals opened strong Saturday, dominating Owensboro 58-39. However, their undefeated season came to an end in their second game when Franklin-Simpson edged them 39-35 in a defensive slugfest, dropping Marshall County to 9-1. A critical factor in the four-point loss was Franklin-Simpson’s advantage at the free-throw line, where they outscored the Lady Marshals 15-2, converting nine attempts.
Marshall County bounced back emphatically Sunday, dismantling tournament host South Warren 60-29 to finish pool play with a 2-1 record.
On Monday, the Lady Marshals fell to the Daviess County Lady Panthers 53-49 in overtime. Marshall County (10-2) will return to Fourth District action Tuesday, January 7, when they host Christian Fellowship at 6 p.m. at Reed Conder Gymnasium.
Marshals Battle Through White, Greer & Maggard Classic
The Marshall County boys experienced the tournament’s highs and lows while competing in Lexington’s White, Greer & Maggard Holiday Classic.
Saturday’s matchup between ranked Kentucky programs saw North Laurel edge the Marshals 59-56 in overtime. Marshall County competed without leading scorer Matthew Langhi, who missed the contest due to illness.
Langhi returned to the lineup Sunday afternoon as the Marshals pulled away from Paintsville 74-60, controlling the game in the final period and sealing the victory with clutch free throws down the stretch.
The win improved Marshall County to 9-2 and advanced them to Monday’s championship game against defending state champion Great Crossing (4-6). The Marshals fell short in the title game, dropping a 69-66 decision to finish the tournament 1-2.
Now 9-3 overall, the Marshals will break for the New Year before returning to Reed Conder Gymnasium on Monday, January 6, to face Christian Fellowship’s Eagles in a Fourth District matchup at 7:30 p.m. The Hendrickson Wealth & Retirement Pregame Show begins at 5:55 p.m. on WCBL Sports.
