MORAN – Switching defenses and moving the basketball well offensively allowed Marmaton Valley Junior High’s boys to claim a 32-24 win at home Thursday.
In their last games before Christmas break, the MVJH boys and girls hosted St. Rose of Garnett. They came out with split decisions.
The Wildcat boys trailed 16-14 at halftime in the A-team game. They had played man-to-man defense against St. Rose.
“We played a tough zone defense in the second half and it seemed to stall the set plays of St. Rose,” said Arlyn Briggs, MVJH boys head coach. “We had good passing on the offensive end and got easy shots in the lane, helped by our height advantage.”
Marmaton Valley outscored St. Rose 14-7 in the third quarter and 4-1 in the final period.
Brady Newman paced the Cats with 14 points and Gage Adams chipped in 12. Dane Myers scored three points, followed by Keagan Boyd with two and Michael Beggs with one.
“This was by far the best game of the year for us with the passing and defensive focus showing marked improvement,” Briggs said. “Free throws continued to by problematic. We made 6 of 19.”
In a two-quarter B-team game, St. Rose beat the Wildcat boys 17-3. Cody Wilson scored Marmaton Valley’s three points.
For the Wildcat girls, things didn’t go as well. Down 9-6 after one quarter, the Wildcats did not score again until the fourth quarter. Marmaton Valley’s girls lost to St. Rose 26-7.
“We had a lot of turnovers and combined with their quickness, we were unable to get off many shots,” said Brenda Mills. MVJH girls’ head coach.
Mackenzie Tynon had four points for Marmaton Valley. Lindsey McNeil had two points and Ruby Mann scored one.
The Wildcat girls won a two-quarter B-team game 10-8. Mann fired in four points. Scoring two points each were Kyla Drake, Misty Storrer and NaLea Alexander.
The Marmaton Valley Jr. High teams are back in action Jan. 5 at Pleasanton.
Jr. Wildcats split with St. Rose
