Wildcat boys beat Blu-Jays

ange in defensive strategies paid off handsomely Friday for Marmaton Valley High’s boys.
The Wildcats, trailing by one headed into the fourth quarter, slapped on a half-court, zone trap defense against host Pleasanton High.
The ensuing 16-2 run to end the game gave Marmaton Valley a 57-44 victory.
The win lifts Marmaton Valley’s record to 5-8 on the season.
“it wa sa pretty close game,” Wildcat head coach Denny Lasley said. “Our press denied the ball, and forced them into a lot of turnovers.”
The Wildcats led 28-24 at halftime before Pleasanton crept in front 42-41 after three periods.
Cole Becker and Zach Louk provided a nifty one-two scoring punch for Marmaton Valley.
Becker led the way with 19 points, seven rebounds, five steals and five assists.
“He had a strong all-around game,” Lasley said.
Louk, meanwhile, poured in 17 points to go with five steals.
Nathan Smart added eight points and seven boards. Lucas Hamlin also had seven rebounds.
Preston Coffman scored 14 and Cole Campbell had 12 to pace the Blu-Jays.
Marmaton Valley hit on 6 of 11 free throws. Pleasanton went 1 of 3.
Marmaton Valley resumes action Tuesday at home against Altoona-Midway.
Marmaton Valley (11-17-13-16-57) (FG/3-pt): Louk 7-3-0-17, Smith 0-1-1-1, Carr 0-2-0-2, Ramsey 2-0-0-4, Hamlin 3-0-0-6, Smart 4-0-1-8. TOTALS: 24/1-6-5-57.
Pleasanton (10-14-18-2-44) (FG/3-pt): Ellis 1-0-2-2, Bauer 2-0-1-4, M. Coffman 2-0-0-4, Campbell 5-0-2-12, Coffman 5/1-1-3-14, Inman 4-0-2-8. TOTALS: 20/1-1-10-44.