MORAN — A late swoon did in Marmaton Valley High’s girls Tuesday evening.
The Wildcats opened their season in a hard-fought contest against Northeast-Arma, and led 27-24 after three quarters.
But the Vikings ended the game with a 20-11 run to pull out a 44-38 victory.
The defeat comes in the opening round of Marmaton Valley’s preseason tournament.
The Wildcats, in their first action under head coach Becky Carlson, return to action Thursday evening against Madison in the second round of tournament play.
It was anyone’s game up until Northeast’s late run.
Marmaton Valley was 9-8 after one quarter and 18-14 at the half.
Kayla Ard led the way for the Wildcats with 14 points, followed by Janae Granere with 10.
Rachel Fox and Liberty Sigman shared high-scoring honors for the Vikings with 16 apiece.
IN BOYS action, Northeast broke open a close game with a 13-2 second-quarter run to win 52-14.
“There are not too many positives to take away from our first game of the season,” MV head coach Gavin Cole said. “We need to improve in all aspects of the game. With just seven practices under our belt, we will get better quickly. Offensive execution, defensive rotations, being stronger with the ball, and defensive rebounding all need to improve. This group of boys will continue to work hard, and we understand that one game cannot define our season.”
Marmaton Valley’s squads did not begin basketball practice until after the Thanksgiving threat as part of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Evan Kent scored six, Dylan Drake five and Quincy Adams three for the Wildcats.
Karter Dugan had a monster game for Northeast, leading the way with 27 points.
The Vikings led 25-8 at the half, then cruised to a 21-5 third-quarter run to lead 44-13.
