By ALEXANDER SIMONE

Staff writer

Marion girls fell hard at last week’s homecoming game, losing 59-18 to Council Grove at home.

The Warriors’ struggles persisted throughout the game.

“We ran a couple of our sets well and got some backdoor looks,” coach Jason Hett said. “We made the right pass and made the right read, so they did some good things in the third quarter. We just need a lot more of them.”

Marion was pushed out of contention early, scoring two baskets by halftime, which led to a 31-5 deficit.

Their push came during the third quarter. The Warriors scored eight points in the quarter by utilizing high-post and transition play.

“We thought maybe we could throw it to our post at the elbow and get a backdoor look,” coach Jason Hett said. “We got it a couple times.”

Despite the offensive improvement, Marion couldn’t hold the visitors. Council Grove scored 13 to push the score to 50-13 by the end of the third quarter.

“There are just some things we have to keep working on in practice,” he said. “The girls have to keep working hard in practice, keep battling, and keep their heads up.”

Scoring summary: Jaden Slifer, 8 points; Jayden May, 6; Alfwenna Meyer, 2; Megan Neufeld, 2.

Boys searching for answers

Marion boys had a difficult go at senior night as well, losing 52-23 to the visiting Braves.

Through the first quarter the game remained within reach, as Marion found itself down 15-4.

A large part of the team’s play hinges on maintaining mental focus, coach Terry Edwards said.

“We’re playing hard and trying to do the right thing,” he said. “In the first quarter when we relaxed, they stuck us.”

The Warrior’s best offensive production came to close out the second half. Marion scored nine in the second quarter, a third of the team’s offensive production for the game.

Despite the offensive improvement, the Warriors were down 30-15 by halftime.

Marion struggled shooting the ball, making 27.3% of shots going 4-of-10 at the free throw line.

Turnovers limited the Warriors’ opportunities, as they attempted just 33 shots, but committed 22 turnovers.

“When we’re relaxed, we lose a bit of focus,” Edwards said. “We make a direct pass and catch it three times on the way down. If we catch the first time, we ball fake and go to the rack.”

Marion outscored Council Grove in the fourth quarter 5-1, but the game was already 51-18 headed into the final quarter.

Scoring summary: Braedon Mercer, 9 points, 11 rebounds; Burt Harshman, 6 points; Seth Lanning, 4; Bryce Mermis, 2; Jaxton Tracy, 1; Ian Ingles, 1.