CHEROKEE — As far as learning experiences go, Tuesday’s defeat may provide some short- and long-term benefits for Marmaton Valley High’s boys.
The Wildcats fell 56-43 to host Southeast High of Cherokee in the first round of the Southeast Lancer Classic, but took with it some lessons that left head coach Tim Stinnett encouraged.
“The guys were out there doing their own thing early, and we weren’t going anywhere,” Stinnett said. “But when they started running the plays they were supposed to run, we had a lot more success.”
Southeast outscored Marmaton Valley 15-2 in the second quarter to open a 19-point lead.
The Wildcats amped up their offensive efficiency in the second half, closing the gap to six points in the fourth quarter before Southeast sealed the victory at the free throw line.
“We’ve just got to play like we did in the second half all game long,” Stinnett said.
Marmaton Valley continues pool play tournament action at 5:30 p.m. Thursday by taking on Columbus High. Results from the first two rounds will determine Friday’s final-round matchups.
The Wildcats were led by Cole Becker’s 16 points, four steals and three assists. Chance Stevenson followed by seven points, while Levi Ramsey and Nathan Smart both had six points. Carlos Gonzales scored four points, as did Michael Genn. Smart also had four assists.
The rest of the boys games were Monday. Sunrise Christian Academy defeated Oswego 52-20, then returned to the court to defeat St. Paul 47-31. Columbus edged Southeast 50-49.
In girls tournament action Tuesday, Sunrise Christian Academy’s girls defeated Oswego 57-44, Columbus defeated St. Paul 32-26 and Sunrise Christian Academy downed southeast 62-39.
Marmaton Valley’s girls lost to St. Paul 60-13 on Monday.
The Wildcat girls take on Columbus at 8:30 p.m. Thursday.
Southeast defeats MV boys
