MORAN — The start for Marmaton Valley High’s girls was as frigid as the weather Tuesday evening.
The Wildcats were stymied by visiting Oswego High’s lightning-quick guards, as the Indians scored the game’s first 13 points. Marmaton Valley rebounded a bit after the first period, but still did not have the firepower to keep up in a 57-31 loss.
The defeat, in the first round of the Wildcats’ preseason tournament, drops Marmaton Valley’s record to 0-2.
“We knew they were going to play tough defense,” Wildcat head coach Kent Houk said. “They always play us tough.”
Doing the most damage were Oswego’s Jordan McBrien, Kali Kitterman and Jaymie Nesbitt. All three had a role in pressuring ball-handlers and clogging passing lanes.
As a result, Marmaton Valley managed only a single field goal, by Maggie Meiwes, in the first quarter. Oswego led 17-2 after one period and 31-11 at the break.
“We had a spirited discussion at halftime, and the girls came out playing better,” Houk said.
The Wildcats started the half with a 6-2 run before Oswego’s pressure defense kicked in again. They closed the period with a 16-6 run to lead 49-25.
Turnovers were the Wildcats’ biggest nemesis, a common theme in the young season.
“We had 30 turnovers again,” Houk said. “That’s killing us.”
Meiwes scored nine of her 14 points after halftime to lead Marmaton Valley, along with seven rebounds. Kailey Boyd had five steals. Cheyanne Miller had three blocks.
Nesbitt drained three three-pointers in the first quarter and wound up with a game-high 26 points for the Indians. Kitterman added 13.
Marmaton Valley plays Northeast High of Arma on Thursday in the second round of the round-robin tournament.
Oswego (17-14-18-8—57) (FG3/3pt): McBrien 2/1-0-1-7, Kitterman 5/10-2-13, J. Nesbitt 6/4-2-3-26, Irwin 0-0-1-0, Russell 1-0-3-2, K. Nesbitt 3-1-2-7, Teel 0-0-1-0, Pemberton1-0-3-2, Attebery 0-0-1-0. TOTALS: 18/6-3-17-57.
Marmaton Valley (2-9-14-6—31): Miller 1-3-3-5, Boyd 1-0-1-2, Shadden 1-0-1-2, Meiwes 6-2-3-14, Sparks 0-0-4-0, Henry 2-0-0-4, Ensminger 1-0-0-2, Endicott 0-2-0-2. TOTALS: 12-7-12-31.
Oswego downs MV girls
